[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 100 (Wednesday, June 30, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1240]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS

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                               speech of

                  HON. HENRY C. ``HANK'' JOHNSON, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 28, 2010

  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. 
Con. Res. 284, introduced by Representative Sessions, which recognizes 
the hard work and importance of special education teachers.
  In 1972, the U.S Supreme Court ruled that people with special needs 
or disabilities had the same right to the quality education in public 
schools as their nondisabled peers. This monumental case changed the 
way we view children with special needs as well as the increased need 
for teachers who are certified for educating children with special 
needs. Actually, today, about 10 percent of all school-aged children 
receive special education services. This number shows the necessity and 
importance of special education teachers nationwide.
  It takes an exceptional person to educate children with disabilities. 
Special education teachers have to adapt to a wide variety of needs 
ranging from children who have autism, hearing and seeing impairments, 
and even orthopedic impairments. Special education teachers have to 
come up with individual-specific plans for each child enrolled in their 
class, tailored to help children reach their full learning potential. 
Special education teachers must possess unique characteristics 
including extreme patience, organization capabilities, and the ability 
to understand each individual's needs. What makes these unique 
characteristics and hard work of these educators especially significant 
is the fact that they help improve the lives of the neediest amongst 
us, the special education students. Therefore, it is evident that these 
special education teachers' hard work and dedication is truly deserving 
of the appreciation that Congress offers within H. Con. Res. 284.
  DeKalb County School System located in the Fourth District of Georgia 
has a history of focused care and concern for students with special 
needs. In fact, DeKalb County School System has an internationally 
recognized Exceptional Education and Support Services Division that 
provides a support system for the students with special needs as well 
as for their parents. I am proud of programs within my district, such 
as this support division, that help special education teachers by 
giving them the option to offer this support system to their students. 
I want to personally thank the special education teachers in my 
district and across the United States.
  I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution.

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