[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 63 (Tuesday, May 10, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E850]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK

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                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 10, 2011

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National 
Teacher Appreciation week and the extraordinary work done by America's 
teachers to provide students with the knowledge and skills they will 
need to compete and thrive in the 21st century.
  Every day, hard working men and women go into the classroom to 
prepare our children for a successful future. For this, they deserve 
not just our utmost gratitude and respect but fair and adequate 
compensation. Instead, teachers and other public workers across the 
nation are under attack. Earlier this year, I went to Wisconsin to lend 
support for teachers and other state workers who are not only fighting 
cutbacks in salaries and benefits but the loss of long-standing 
collective bargaining rights. Fortunately, in Wisconsin and other 
states, people are turning out in large numbers to show opposition to 
those attacks and demonstrate support for teachers and public 
employees.
  Rather than demonize teachers, it is imperative that we recognize the 
essential role they play in our society not only this week but 
throughout the year. President Obama has spoken at length about 
America's need to ``Win the Future.'' As our nation looks to achieve 
that objective, we must not lose sight of the fact that nothing has a 
more direct impact on student achievement than having a great teacher 
in the classroom.
  As a former elementary school teacher, I know just the teaching 
profession is both rewarding and challenging. I encourage every 
American to take a moment this week to thank a teacher for the 
incredible work they are doing to make our nation a better place.

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