[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 121 (Wednesday, July 23, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S7145]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                       RETIREMENT OF JAN REINICKE

 Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, at the end of August, Jan Reinicke 
will retire after 10 years of distinguished service as executive 
director of the Iowa State Education Association. Jan began her career 
in the classroom, serving as a speech and English teacher in the Iowa 
towns of Cincinnati, Coon Rapids, and Fort Dodge, earning the love of 
her students. Nearly four decades later, she concludes her career as 
one of the most respected educator-leaders in my State of Iowa.
  Jan previously served as a lobbyist on the ISEA staff from 1980 to 
1994, and as associate executive director from 1995 to 1998. At every 
stage, the key to her success has been that her roots have remained 
firmly planted in the classroom, and her passion has been to enhance 
the professionalism and stature of the teaching profession.
  I have always loved what Lee Iacocca said about teachers. ``In a 
completely rational society,'' he said, ``the best of us would be 
teachers, and the rest would have to settle for something less.'' 
Fortunately, in Iowa, so many of our best--individuals of intelligence 
and talent like Jan Reinicke--do go into teaching. But, unfortunately, 
these idealistic and dedicated professionals do not always receive the 
support and compensation that they deserve.
  That is why Jan has dedicated herself to lifting up the teaching 
profession in my state. Thanks to her leadership and advocacy, the Iowa 
Legislature passed two major salary improvements for Iowa teachers.
  In addition, Jan is a passionate believer that teachers and other 
educators should take charge of their own profession. To that end, she 
has devoted herself to strengthening the Iowa State Education 
Association both as a union and as a professional association, more 
effectively advocating for teachers and other educators. Her vision led 
to the creation of teacher quality committees, giving teachers a larger 
voice in professional development and in determining the course of 
their schools.
  A wise person once said, ``Those who dare to teach must never cease 
to learn.'' Jan agrees wholeheartedly. This is why she led the charge 
to establish ISEA's Professional Development Academy, which provides 
relicensing courses for teachers, as well as the opportunity to earn 
graduate credit. Under Jan's leadership, the association also created 
the Faculty Quality Plan to ensure that every student has access to 
quality teachers and a rigorous curriculum.
  As a teacher, as an education lobbyist, and as the top executive at 
ISEA, Jan Reinicke's bottom line has always been the same: ensuring a 
quality teacher in every classroom, and a quality public education for 
every child.
  There is an old saying that we make a living by what we get, but we 
make a life by what we give. Jan Reinicke has always given generously 
to those around her as a teacher, mentor, and leader. She leaves a 
living legacy in terms of an enhanced teaching profession in Iowa and a 
strong, respected Iowa State Education Association.
  I know that Jan Reinicke has many wonderful plans for retirement, and 
that she intends to give of herself generously as a volunteer. I join 
her colleagues and friends across Iowa in thanking her for a job 
superbly done, and in wishing her a long and happy retirement.

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