[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 133 (Tuesday, September 6, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1176]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MS. DENISE KELLER

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 6, 2016

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Denise 
Keller, who is being honored today by the Napa County Office of 
Education as a 2017 Napa County Teacher of the Year.
  Ms. Keller completed her Bachelor of Art in Sociology at Sonoma State 
University, before going on to earn her Social Studies Education 
Specialist Credential at San Francisco State University. She began her 
career working as a Special Day Class Teacher in the West Contra Costa 
Unified School District, and then transitioned to working as a Resource 
Specialist for the Elk Grove Unified School District. In 2004, Ms. 
Keller joined American Canyon Middle School as a Resource Specialist, 
and began teaching 6th Grade Social Studies in 2010.
  In her classroom, Ms. Keller brings history to life and encourages 
her students to appreciate the relevance of our past to their lives 
today. She employs her extensive knowledge of project-based learning to 
engage her students in the classroom and instill a passion for 
learning.
  Furthermore, Ms. Keller has taken on many new challenges to support 
students and her colleagues at American Canyon Middle School. She 
serves as the yearbook advisor, encouraging students' creativity and 
leadership. Ms. Keller also chairs the Social Studies Department and is 
the 6th Grade Team Leader, coordinating and supporting the work of 
faculty.
  Mr. Speaker, Denise Keller is a dedicated teacher who uses her time 
and knowledge to inspire young students to strive for excellence, and 
it is therefore fitting and proper that we honor her here today.

                          ____________________