[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 68 (Tuesday, May 5, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1064]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING NATIONAL TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 5, 2009

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
honor our Nation's teachers during National Teacher Appreciation Week, 
which is being held this year May 3rd-9th.
  This is a time to express our thanks and admiration for the more than 
3 million teachers in the United States. I encourage everyone to 
express their appreciation for those teachers who have touched their 
lives or the lives of their children.
  Teachers are heroes in our communities, shaping the next generation 
of great minds. No great leader, scientist, or artist would be where 
they are today without the influence of caring and dedicated teachers.
  Thurgood Marshall once said, ``None of us got where we are solely by 
pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps. We got here because somebody--a 
parent, a teacher, an Ivy League crony or a few nuns--bent down and 
helped us pick up our boots.''
  There is perhaps no other occupation that influences the fabric of 
our society more than teachers, and we are fortunate to have this week 
dedicated to recognizing their contributions.
  I am particularly proud of our teachers from my home State of Texas--
serving as motivators and mentors for our future leaders. I remain 
dedicated to working in Congress to ensure that Texas teachers and all 
teachers have the resources necessary to successfully prepare our 
Nation's youth for a successful future.

                          ____________________