[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 65 (Tuesday, May 4, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E739]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF PATTI MacLEISH GORDON

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                           HON. ALAN GRAYSON

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 4, 2010

  Mr. GRAYSON. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of National Teacher Day. 
Today, I would like to recognize an extraordinary teacher from Central 
Florida who is making a significant impact in the field of education in 
my district and in the State of Florida, Patti MacLeish Gordon. Mrs. 
Gordon was one of five finalists for the Orange County Public Schools 
2011 Teacher of the Year and was selected earlier this year by 
Lifestyle Magazine as one of Central Florida's ``Top Teachers.''
  Mrs. Gordon was born in Orlando, Florida where she attended Lake 
Silver Elementary, Lee Middle School, and graduated from Lake Highland 
Preparatory School. Being born into a family of teachers (her aunt, 
mother, and older sister are also teachers), it is no surprise that 
Patti graduated from Clemson University with honors where she majored 
in Elementary Education and Graphic Design. Mrs. Gordon received her 
Master's degree in elementary school counseling from the University of 
Central Florida. She is a National Board-Certified teacher, who has 
taught pre-school, 1st grade, 3rd grade, 5th grade, and was the 
elementary school guidance counselor at Lake Highland Preparatory 
School for 3 years. For the past seven years, Mrs. Gordon has worked at 
Princeton Elementary school as a gifted education teacher.
  Patti has gone above and beyond a traditional role of a teacher. She 
believes in teaching through hands-on activities, service learning 
projects, and uses modern technology whenever she can in her 
instruction. She not only founded a Science Club in her school, she 
also coordinates and teaches in the program. Through her leadership and 
enthusiasm, over 125 students volunteer to participate in the Science 
Club after school. The environment is a passion for Patti and can be 
seen through her ``Green Team'' initiative, which has led to a complete 
ecological change for her school.
  Madam Speaker, Mrs. Gordon is a remarkable example to educators all 
over our country. It is an honor to pay tribute to her accomplishments. 
I know the crucial impact teachers can and do have on their students. 
Mrs. Gordon's passion and dedication for teaching is not only seen 
through her many awards, but through the success of her students. 
Central Florida is lucky, and grateful, to have an educator like Patti 
MacLeish Gordon.

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