[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 32 (Tuesday, February 24, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E330]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING BETH LEES AS THE 2010 SANTA ROSA COUNTY TEACHER OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 24, 2009

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States 
Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today in recognition of Beth 
Lees, Santa Rosa County's 2010 Teacher of the Year.
  From an early age, Ms. Lees has expressed a passion and talent for 
teaching. Inspired by the work of her mother, also a teacher, Ms. Lees 
would work on the blackboard and create curriculum in the imaginary 
games of ``school'' she played as a child. This early interest 
blossomed into an enduring devotion to the profession of teaching and 
to helping children realize their intellectual potential.
  Ms. Lees began her teaching career at Troy University, where she 
earned a B.A. in elementary education and a master's of science in 
Education. After graduating, she began teaching third grade and spent 
the next 12 years teaching third, fourth, and fifth grade. Her 
education and early experiences have resonated in her current teaching 
style. Ms. Lees is known for her exciting curriculum and students and 
teachers often remark on her ability to make the material fun and 
dynamic. Her enthusiasm is contagious and the structure she provides 
her students, especially in the way of reading comprehension, is vital 
to their long-term academic success.
  The title of Teacher of the Year is an honor and is evidence of Ms. 
Lees's exceptional capabilities as an educator. Beyond the title lies 
Ms. Lees's dedication and devotion, to not only her students, but to 
the entire community. Her teaching skills and affable personality have 
influenced many and pushed countless students to a higher level of 
academic achievement. Ms. Lees's outstanding accomplishments have 
distinguished her as one of the great teachers in northwest Florida, 
and the First District of Florida is honored to have her as one of 
their own.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of the U.S. Congress, I am proud to 
recognize Beth Lees on this outstanding achievement and for her 
exemplary service in the Santa Rosa School District.

                          ____________________