[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 89 (Tuesday, June 15, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H4462-H4463]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CELEBRATING 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF ALBERT EINSTEIN DISTINGUISHED EDUCATOR 
                           FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 1322) celebrating the 20th anniversary of the 
Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program and 
recognizing the significant contributions of Albert Einstein Fellows.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 1322

       Whereas the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator 
     Fellowship Program was established in 1990, and formalized by 
     law in 1994;
       Whereas Einstein Fellows are selected through a highly 
     competitive process from among the best science, technology, 
     engineering, and mathematics teachers in the field, and 
     represent diverse geographic regions and communities;
       Whereas the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator 
     Fellowship Program places these exceptional teachers in 
     positions within Federal agencies and on Capitol Hill where 
     they contribute to advancing the fields of education, 
     science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and public 
     policy;
       Whereas the Department of Energy through its Office of 
     Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists, and the 
     Triangle Coalition for Science and Technology Education have 
     nurtured and grown the Einstein Fellowship Program;
       Whereas over 190 Einstein Fellows have served 
     professionally at the Department of Education, the Department 
     of Energy, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
     (NASA), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National 
     Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the National 
     Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National 
     Science Foundation (NSF), the President's Office of Science 
     and Technology Policy (OSTP), the U.S. Senate, and the U.S. 
     House of Representatives;
       Whereas the Einstein Fellowship Program fosters a spirit of 
     cooperation between Federal agencies by placing a network of 
     fellows at these different agencies;
       Whereas Einstein Fellows provide practical perspectives on 
     the application and impact of education policy;
       Whereas Einstein Fellows have made invaluable contributions 
     to the formulation of educational policy with their advice to 
     Members of Congress and officials in Federal agencies, by 
     developing legislation, and by creating innovative 
     educational programs and interventions;
       Whereas Einstein Fellows have experienced unique 
     opportunities for professional growth and development, 
     expanding their skills and knowledge;
       Whereas Einstein Fellows learn valuable leadership skills 
     to advance the fields of education, science, technology, 
     engineering, mathematics, and public policy; and
       Whereas the contributions of the Einstein Fellows during 
     their service and later upon the continuation of their 
     professional careers, serve as role models and examples of 
     dedication and commitment for past, current, and future 
     generations of educators and public servants: Now, therefore, 
     be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) recognizes the significance of the 20th anniversary of 
     the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship 
     Program;
       (2) recognizes the value of having current science, 
     technology, engineering, and mathematics teachers directly 
     engaged in the policymaking process;
       (3) recognizes the sacrifices made by teachers who 
     interrupt their careers to serve as Einstein Fellows;
       (4) supports continuation of the Einstein Fellowship 
     program;
       (5) encourages Federal Agencies and congressional offices 
     to host Einstein Fellows, and to leverage the expertise of 
     former Einstein Fellows; and
       (6) recognizes the contributions of Einstein Fellows, past, 
     present, and future.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
California (Ms. Woolsey) and the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Petri) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California.


                             General Leave

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which 
Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on H. Res. 
1322 into the Record.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the important role of 
science, technology, engineering and math--known as STEM--educators in 
our schools and in our country. The Albert Einstein Distinguished 
Educator Fellowship Program recognizes kindergarten through 12th grade 
teachers as critical voices in the national conversation on education 
policy. The program acknowledges excellence in teaching and the value 
of a teacher's service to the community.
  This program brings outstanding teachers to the Washington, D.C. area 
so they can be immersed in and help shape Federal policy. Fellows 
combine their teaching and their fellowship experience for the 
betterment of students across the country. This year commemorates the 
20th anniversary of the Einstein Fellowship Program.
  Over the course of the past 20 years, 173 fellows have served in this 
important program. This year, there are 24 fellows representing math, 
science, technology, career and technical education, special education, 
and engineering teachers. They have come from 47 States, the District 
of Columbia, and Puerto Rico with a diverse range of experience and 
background.
  The Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship provides Congress 
direct access to teachers who come straight from their classrooms and 
bring with them a firsthand understanding of how school works. Einstein 
fellows have also served in most of the Federal agencies, including the 
Department of Energy, the Department of Education, the National 
Institutes of Health, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Science 
Foundation, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and Office 
of Science and Technology Policy.
  In these agencies, fellows are directly involved with educational 
outreach activities, curriculum development, teacher training, grant 
proposal review, program analysis and improvement, and other activities 
where the experience of a STEM educator provides practical insight and 
vital input.
  These teachers serving in our Nation's Capital lend another important 
voice for the students who will be tomorrow's leaders. These students 
are

[[Page H4463]]

entering a world that requires the concrete skills, creative thinking, 
and innovation that STEM education provides. Alumni of the program 
maintain leadership roles in STEM education, which amplifies the value 
of the fellowship.
  Einstein fellows who return to their classrooms and communities bring 
a wealth of new skills, knowledge, and an enhanced perspective for how 
their teaching fits into the larger picture of our country's education 
policy. These teachers renew their efforts to inspire their students 
and encourage them to pursue STEM pathways. Einstein fellows have also 
gone on to teach and mentor teachers in university programs, coordinate 
statewide efforts on STEM curriculum initiatives, and continue serving 
in the administration and in Congress.
  Congressman Honda, who is not here today, wanted me to express his 
strong support for the Einstein fellowship program, but he is feeling 
under the weather and can't be here. So I will submit a statement by 
Congressman Honda in support of the resolution into the Record.
  Mr. Speaker, once again I express my support for the 20th anniversary 
of the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program. I 
want to thank Representative Honda for bringing this resolution to the 
floor, and I urge my colleagues to pass the resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the resolution, H. Res. 1322, 
celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Albert Einstein Distinguished 
Educator Fellowship Program, recognizing the significant contributions 
made by Albert Einstein fellows.
  The Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program offers 
current public or private elementary and secondary mathematics, 
technology and science classroom teachers who have demonstrated 
excellence in teaching an opportunity to serve in the national public 
policy arena.

                              {time}  1430

  Einstein fellows are selected, through a competitive selection 
process, to spend a school year in a congressional office or in one of 
a number of Federal executive branch departments. Einstein fellows 
provide policymakers and Federal agencies with a real-world 
perspective. Their invaluable contributions help to provide practical 
insight and a unique knowledge base in the formulation, application, 
and implementation of Federal policy. Some of the contributions of 
Einstein fellows include creating Web-based science education programs 
and establishing and evaluating national and regional programs on 
school reform and teacher preparation.
  As educators who are working to provide the Nation's students with a 
high-quality education, Einstein fellows enrich students' educations in 
a twofold manner: by educating them in the classrooms and by guiding 
the policy that will direct their educations in the future.
  I encourage my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 
1322, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Albert Einstein 
Distinguished Educator Program and recognizing the significant 
contributions of Albert Einstein Fellows.
  For 20 years, Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellows have 
worked in the Senate and House, and Federal agencies, drafting 
legislation and creating innovative educational programs and 
interventions. Einstein Fellows are selected through a highly 
competitive process from among the best science, technology, 
engineering, and mathematics teachers in the field, and represent 
diverse geographic regions, backgrounds and communities.
  Over 190 Einstein Fellows have played a critical role in helping to 
advance the fields of education, science, technology, engineering, 
mathematics in the United States by applying their classroom experience 
to shape public policy. Their deep understanding of both science and 
pedagogy has provided practical insights and ``real world'' 
perspectives to policy makers and program administrators.
  Teachers who are chosen to be Albert Einstein Fellows demonstrate 
exceptional expertise in teaching in elementary or secondary schools 
and have an interest and willingness to be involved in public policy. 
Many are recognized for excellence through the Presidential Awards for 
Excellence in Mathematics or Science Teaching and other prestigious 
awards. These dedicated teachers interrupt their careers and leave 
their homes and classrooms behind to spend a school year in a 
Congressional Office, the Department of Education, the Department of 
Energy, NASA, NIH, NIST, NOAA, NSF, OSTP, applying their classroom 
experience to shape public policy while expanding their valuable 
skills.
  The Einstein Fellows, during their service and later upon the 
continuation of their professional careers, serve as role models and 
example of dedication and commitment for past, current and future 
generations of educators and public servants:
  I have had the benefit of having Einstein Fellows in my office for 
the past four years and I can personally attest to the tremendous 
contributions they have made to science education throughout the 
nation. For example, Luke Laurie, a middle school science teacher from 
California, worked on Global Warming Education legislation and an 
effort to congratulate Vice President Al Gore on his Nobel Prize; Ed 
Potosnak, a secondary school science teacher from New Jersey, who 
developed the Enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and 
Mathematics Education Act and the Educational Opportunity and Equity 
Commission Act; and Eduardo Guevara, a secondary school science teacher 
from Texas, who is working on the One America, Many Voices Act, which 
would appropriately compensate Federal workers with multilingual 
skills, on legislation to establish prizes for educational technology 
innovation, and on equity in educational opportunities for Bilingual 
Learners (ELLS).
  President Obama himself experienced the benefits of having an 
Einstein Fellow in his office when he was a freshman Senator.
  In conjunction with the 20th Anniversary of the program, on June 28th 
and 29th the Einstein Fellowship Summit will be held here in 
Washington, where former and current fellows will address issues 
related to STEM education. Members have been invited to the 
Congressional reception to be held at the Rayburn Gold Room, and I 
encourage my colleagues to attend that event to meet current and former 
fellows and celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Albert Einstein 
Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program.
  I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and the Einstein 
Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program.
  Mr. PETRI. I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the 
balance of my time.
  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this 
resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1322.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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