[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 100 (Wednesday, June 30, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1246]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. ENI F.H. FALEOMAVAEGA

                           of american samoa

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 28, 2010

  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today before you, expressing my 
strong support for H. Con. Res. 284, appreciating the work and 
recognizing the special education teachers of our nation.
  First, I would like to thank Congressman Pete Sessions of Texas and 
all of the co-sponsors, for recognizing these important people in our 
education system. I would also like to extend my gratitude to Chairman 
George Miller and Ranking Member John Kline of the Committee on 
Education & Labor for supporting this resolution. This bill recognizes 
the profound dedication that these teachers have for their students, 
and the general community.
  I would like to commend our special education teachers for continuing 
a phenomenal job. Not only do I respect their enduring patience and 
commitment, I applaud them on how much they have contributed to their 
local education systems. On a daily basis, these individuals must be 
able to motivate their students and push them past their limitations, 
and at the same time help them to mature and become productive members 
of society.
  Not only have these teachers helped the many special needs students 
to achieve in school, but they have also formed a support system for 
the many parents and families. They are the warm counsel to the 
students and their loved ones. They are entrusted to help the students 
succeed in their education. These teachers continue to encompass a 
genuine and dedicated work ethic.
  In American Samoa's education system, we have implemented a 
significant amount of special education programs into our schools. 
Importantly, we have integrated the special needs students in the 
mainstream education system. I would personally like to commend those 
teachers, for their enthusiasm and effort with our children. We, as the 
Congress, must continue to provide the tools and support for the 
special needs teachers and their students, especially during these 
times of economic strife.
  We are reminded that in 1972 the United States Supreme Court granted 
children with disabilities with the same right to receive `quality' 
education. Without our special education teachers and the efforts of 
many others to provide for the children with special needs, this 
clearly would not have been possible.
  Even as these individuals are faced with maybe, the most emotional 
and mentally stressful challenges, their continuous work in fostering 
and assisting our children is inspiring.
  I strongly urge my colleagues to pass this resolution.

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