[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 71 (Thursday, May 1, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E805]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              SPOKANE TEACHER RECEIVES PRESIDENTIAL AWARD

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                      HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 1, 2008

  Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
Linda Hutchinson, the Mathematics Department Head at Shadle Park High 
School in Spokane, Wash., on her outstanding performance as a 
mathematics teacher. In recognition of her exceptional contribution to 
the academic wellbeing of her students, Mrs. Hutchinson has been 
awarded the ``Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics 
and Science.''
  The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science 
Teaching, PAEMST, is the highest recognition that a kindergarten 
through 12th-grade mathematics or science teacher may receive for 
outstanding teaching in the United States. Mrs. Hutchinson is one of 
just 108 teachers to receive this honor each year.
  Mrs. Hutchinson was evaluated on five dimensions of outstanding 
teaching. She proved she demonstrated her mastery of mathematics 
content, and that her teaching methods increase student achievement. In 
addition, by winning the award, she has demonstrated that she evaluates 
and improves not only her students' achievement, but how she teaches 
the material. Finally, Mrs. Hutchinson is committed to improving her 
personal mastery of the content she teaches. She is also committed to 
mentoring and supporting other teachers at her school.
  Providing quality education is a key to increasing America's 
competitiveness and creating a skilled, 21st century workforce. Today, 
over half of China's undergraduate degrees are in math, science, 
technology and engineering. Yet, only 16 percent of American 
undergraduates pursue these fields. To meet the demands of an 
increasingly advanced, global market we must better train and equip our 
nation's workforce and Mrs. Hutchinson is doing just that. Shadle Park 
High School is fortunate to have such an inspiring and committed 
teacher.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend Linda Hutchinson for her 
outstanding work as mathematics teacher. What an honor it is to receive 
this recognition from the President. I invite my colleagues to join 
with me in congratulating Mrs. Hutchinson on this great achievement.

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