[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 75 (Tuesday, May 18, 2010)]
[House]
[Page H3517]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            SUPPORTING ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONAL TEACHER DAY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Klein) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of 
H. Res. 403, legislation I introduced calling for the establishment of 
a National Teacher Day. I believe it is important that we recognize the 
hard work of our Nation's teachers who prepare our students for a 
stronger America. The education of our children is critical to the 
future success of our country and our global competitiveness. And 
despite limited compensation and increasingly high expectations, our 
teachers rise to the challenge each and every day.
  As the son of an elementary school teacher--my mom taught second 
grade, I was proud to introduce this resolution. My mother, and so many 
other teachers across the country, spend their lives working to inspire 
children and open their minds to new ideas so they can grow up to be 
successful in whatever path they choose.
  I am sure that each and every one of my colleagues in Congress can 
identify at least one teacher from their past who made a difference in 
their lives. I know that I wouldn't be where I am today without the 
motivation and encouragement of teachers who challenged me to pursue my 
dreams of public service. This legislation also comes at an extremely 
critical time for our Nation's teachers. In this tough economy, State 
budgets are suffering, and it is important more than ever that we find 
solutions to budget challenges that threaten to cut academic programs 
and lay off good teachers to the detriment of our children and the 
future workforce of our country.
  Rather than slash school budgets, increase classroom sizes, and 
stretch our teachers even thinner than we already have, we must work to 
keep good teachers in the classroom and incentivize more people to 
enter the teacher workforce. We cannot improve our education system in 
the United States if we don't invest in quality teaching as it is. That 
is why I have consistently voted to prevent massive statewide layoffs 
of our education professionals.
  I would also like to thank my distinguished colleague, the gentleman 
from Illinois (Mr. Roskam) for joining me in introducing this important 
piece of legislation, and thank the overwhelming number of Members who 
have joined me in support of the establishment of a National Teacher 
Day.
  Mr. Speaker, when you get a chance, thank teachers for the great work 
that they do.

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