[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 74 (Tuesday, May 6, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E827-E828]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         SENSE OF HOUSE OF ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL TEACHER DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. NANCY E. BOYDA

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 5, 2008

  Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, this week (May 4-May 10) we 
celebrate Teacher

[[Page E828]]

Appreciation Week, and Tuesday, May 6, as National Teacher Day. These 
days have been set aside as a time for honoring teachers and 
recognizing the lasting contributions they make to our lives.
  Last year, the National Education Association (NEA) conducted an 
online poll asking teachers what kind of gift would most make them feel 
appreciated. The answer? A simple ``thank you, `` according to nearly 
half (48 percents) of all respondents.
  Such humility comes as no surprise. My mother was a public school 
teacher, so I know firsthand how many sacrifices teachers make both 
with their own money, their time and their heart. They work long hours 
and are often underappreciated. Yet, few other professionals touch as 
many people as teachers do. I bet many of us learned life lessons that 
we carry with us today because of a special teacher. I don't know that 
we can ever say ``thank-you'' enough times to teachers who have made a 
difference in our lives. This week, I hope we'll all take a minute to 
tell a special teacher ``thank you''--a simple thank you card, a quick 
phone call--it means a lot.
  I recognize that these are small ways to honor teachers, and that we 
have to put our money where our mouth is. Teachers give so much to 
support Kansas students--it's high time that Congress repays the favor. 
Here are some of the ways I have made a commitment to helping teachers:
  Providing tax relief for teachers. I co-sponsored H.R. 549, the 
Teacher Tax Relief Act to increase and make permanent a tax deduction 
of up to $400 for elementary and secondary school teachers. I am also a 
co-sponsor of H.R. 3605, introduced after H.R. 549, which will increase 
the deduction to $500. This deduction would help teachers recoup 
expenses when they use their own money to buy classroom supplies.
  Funding Continuing Education for Teachers. I voted for the America 
Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in 
Technology, Education and Science (COMPETES) Act, which became law in 
August, 2007. The act provides professional development for teachers, 
ensures more highly qualified classroom teachers in mathematics, 
science, engineering, and technology, and provides funding to improve 
laboratory equipment and facilities.
  Student Loan Assistance. The College Cost Reduction and Access Act, 
which I voted for and was signed into law by the President in 
September, 2007, includes a tuition assistance program for public 
school teachers who commit to working in impoverished areas or in high-
need subjects.
  Public schools are at the heart of any community and I believe we all 
have to work together to make our schools the best that they can be. 
That means everyone in the community--parents, business owners, 
retirees, local government and students must pitch in.
  This week is an opportunity for all of us to get involved. That apple 
on the desk or a thank you card is an important first step. But, let's 
use this week to learn about and advocate for high standards for our 
public schools and appropriate compensation for teachers. A community's 
active support of the work that teachers do, combined with that 
``thank-you,'' can make changes that will last for generations to come.

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