[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 40 (Wednesday, March 16, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E505-E506]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     A TRIBUTE TO SHEILA A. DURANT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 16, 2011

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of 
Sheila A. Durant.
  Early on, Sheila Durant discovered her life's passion: educating 
children. She carried this passion for over 30 years and continues to 
do so. Sheila was born and raised in New York City, as one of five 
children. At an early age, her parents instilled the value of 
discipline, determination, and having a dream. Sheila knew her calling 
was to be an educator. Sheila's own education began in the New York 
City's public school system, a diverse and multicultural learning 
environment. She went on to enter the CUNY system and earned a Master's 
degree in special education from Hunter College. Sheila later received 
an Administrative Diploma in School Administration from the City 
College of New York.
  When Sheila Durant became Assistant Principal at P.S. 69, in 2003, 
the State of New York designated the school, ``a School in Need of 
Improvement.'' Fortunately, she worked with a principal who was an 
outstanding educational leader, mentor and collaborative partner. 
Together, they sought to build a ``learning'' community, dedicated to a 
climate of open communication, sharing, collaboration, and respect. 
They began reform at P.S. 69 by implementing conflict resolution 
platforms for teachers, students, and parents. The school is now 
constantly improving. Since 2003, Advocates for Children recognized 
P.S. 69 as both a school of choice and one of the ``top 100 schools'' 
in New York City. Today, Sheila is the Principal of P.S. 69. Her 
journey from Assistant Principal to Principal gave her invaluable 
insight into making P.S. 69 a successful child-centered educational 
environment.
  Growing as a leader and a continual learner, Ms. Durant is involved 
in a number of other organizations. She is a member of the Greater 
Central Baptist Church, New York Academy of Public Education, New York 
Elementary School Principal Association, Schools That Can, Harvard's 
Wide World, CEI-PEA, North American Reggio Emilia Alliance, and 
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. She is also the 
Executive Board member for Council School Consortium and serves as a 
board member of 500 men.
  A guiding principle influenced Sheila's career: ``Good teachers move 
mountains for their students, great teachers show their students how to 
move mountains for themselves.'' Sheila's goal is to prepare her 
students with

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the skill and desire to achieve their dreams. Sheila welcomes parents 
as collaborative partners seeking to educate their children's young 
minds and hearts. Together with her dedicated staff, she will continue 
to strive to prepare all students for college readiness, as digital 
learners, to compete in a global society.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Sheila A. 
Durant.

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