[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 56 (Friday, April 15, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E760]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN RECOGNITION OF RACHEL ANDRES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JACKIE SPEIER-

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 15, 2011

  Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Rachel Andres, the 2011 San 
Mateo County Teacher of the Year.
  At a time when our country lags behind other nations in math and 
science achievement instruction, Rachel Andres has established a 
teaching approach in high school that is slashing the math gap. In her 
own words: ``I respect my students and listen to the voice of each one, 
but then I set high standards, challenge each one to excel, provide the 
necessary support and require that they take responsibility for 
learning and be accountable for demonstrating master.'' She is clearly 
a task master with compassion.
  Rachel earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a double major in 
Mathematics and Secondary Education from Lake Forest College in 
Illinois. After teaching four years at Winthrop High School in 
Massachusetts, she accepted her current position at Menlo-Atherton High 
School in 2005. She teaches Geometry and other math classes.
  She is the coordinator of her school's effort to prepare students for 
college. In fact, she speaks at middle-schools for the purpose of 
attracting incoming freshmen to what is called the Advancement Via 
Individual Determination program. She meets with parents and nurtures 
partnerships with local Boys and Girls Clubs and recruits tutors all in 
the name of nurturing a college-going culture in the community. Most 
significantly, a high percentage of students in the program are 
successful in becoming the first in their family to attend college.
  Further, Rachel has expanded learning boundaries for her students 
through creative curriculum development. For example, she has designed 
strategies to enable students to use writing as a means to solve math 
problems. While her teaching has been recognized with local awards, she 
is quick to say that the most important recognition comes from students 
who thank her for helping them succeed.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask this body to rise with me to honor a teacher who 
has raised the bar of excellence in the classroom. Our country simply 
needs more math teachers like Rachel Andres.

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