[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 35 (Monday, March 2, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E283]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING MRS. KAREN BURCH AS THE 2016 SANTA ROSA COUNTY, FLORIDA, 
                          TEACHER OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 2, 2015

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Mrs. Karen 
Burch as the 2016 Santa Rosa County, Florida, Teacher of the Year. Mrs. 
Burch has proven to be a truly exceptional educator whose impact 
extends far beyond her students, and I am proud to recognize her 
success and outstanding achievements.
   Mrs. Burch began her education career as an Exceptional Student 
Education (ESE) para professional, working to ensure that ESE students 
received the instruction and attention needed to thrive in the 
classroom. Her commitment to serving the ESE student population led her 
to enroll in the University of West Florida's Para to Teacher program, 
and after graduation from UWF, Mrs. Burch began working as an ESE 
teacher at S.S. Dixon Primary School. During her seven years as a 
teacher at S.S. Dixon, Mrs. Burch's determination and patience have 
helped her provide exceptional education to ESE students from 
kindergarten to second grade.
   Constantly striving to lead by example, Mrs. Burch demonstrates her 
leadership skills outside of the classroom as the head of the school's 
Positive Behavior Committee and as a mentor to other teachers and 
student teachers currently enrolled at the University of West Florida.
   Prior to her professional career in education, Mrs. Burch honorably 
served our Nation as a member of the United States Air Force. During 
her military service, Mrs. Burch worked as a Training Manager in a 
Civil Engineering Squadron and maintained top secret materials and 
information for the F-15 Fighter Training School. The leadership skills 
and commitment to service that Mrs. Burch developed while in the Air 
Force have proven to be integral to her success working with students 
with emotional and behavioral needs and inspiring them to reach their 
full potential.
   Mr. Speaker, teachers are amongst our most valuable public servants, 
and they play an integral role in shaping the future of our Nation. The 
Santa Rosa County Teacher of the Year award is a true reflection of 
Mrs. Burch's steadfast dedication to the students of Santa Rosa County. 
She has proven to be among the many exceptional teachers in our Nation, 
and on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to 
recognize Mrs. Karen Burch for her accomplishments and her continuing 
commitment to excellence. My wife Vicki joins me in congratulating Mrs. 
Burch as the 2016 Santa Rosa County, Florida Teacher of the Year and 
thanking her for her dedication to serving the students, teachers, and 
families of the Northwest Florida community. We wish her all the best 
for continued success.

                          ____________________