[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 86 (Friday, May 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1074]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING MARILYN SPIEGEL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN T. DOOLITTLE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 2008

  Mr. DOOLITTLE. Madam Speaker, today I stand to recognize an 
outstanding public servant in my district. She is a woman who has 
dedicated her life to not only raising her own three children, but also 
teaching and nurturing many children in her community. I wish to 
recognize Marilyn Spiegel, who was recently named Teacher of the Year 
in the San Juan Unified School District.
  As a sixth grade teacher at Earl Le Gette Elementary School, Marilyn 
has touched countless lives, both directly and indirectly. She began 
teaching in 1998 after a successful career as a professional chemist 
and parasitologist. After being an active parent volunteer in her sons' 
classrooms, she decided to obtain a teaching credential and share her 
passion for science with students. Voluntarily and independently, 
Marilyn developed a creative energy program designed to enhance a 
student's understanding of science and the environment through 
innovative teaching ideas. In the last six years, she has secured 
nearly $30,000 in educational grants for her energy education program. 
This program has inspired students to examine the role of energy in our 
Nation and how it relates to their individual lives. Unselfishly, 
Marilyn continues to share her grant information and educational 
program with teachers from other schools.
  In her spare time, Marilyn serves on the San Juan Unified School 
District's science adoption committee and the California Department of 
Education's content review panel for the STAR exam. She is also an 
active member of the Le Gette teacher/student guitar ensemble, and 
continues to offer before-school, after-school, and lunch-time 
tutoring.
  Marilyn has earned praise from students, parents, and colleagues for 
her inspirational style of teaching. In fact, the Teacher of the Year 
Award process begins with a parent nomination. She sets clear 
boundaries for the children and reinforces positive behavior through 
praise. ``I treat students with respect, I hold them accountable, and I 
challenge them,'' wrote Marilyn in her application. ``I do not accept 
wasted time and talent. I celebrate their success and help shoulder 
their disappointments and sorrow.'' Marilyn has the ability to motivate 
students beyond their natural abilities and helps them reach their 
greatest potential.
  As we continue searching for ways to better the educational system, 
we need to look at the positive things happening in schools across the 
country. I believe that Marilyn Spiegel is an excellent example of what 
is right with America's schools. Congratulations to my friend Marilyn 
Spiegel, the San Juan Unified School District Teacher of the Year.

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