[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 75 (Wednesday, May 9, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S2558]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK

  Mr. SCHUMER. Thank you, Mr. President.
  First, I want to spend a moment in recognition of Teacher 
Appreciation Week. I am sure everyone here remembers a teacher who 
inspired them, challenged them, and propelled them to greater heights. 
I will never forget Mrs. Roberts, the Cunningham Junior High School 
teacher who opened my eyes up to science; Mrs. Riley, who inspired a 
love of literature; and I will never forget Mrs. Wagman, who kindled my 
interests in government and politics, an interest that never died.
  That is what great teachers do. They open doors previously thought 
closed. They work day and night to give every one of us the opportunity 
to succeed. What a noble calling.
  In my view, teaching in the 21st century should be the same kind of 
exalted profession as law or medicine was in the 20th century. It is 
such an important job, in terms of our future, our economy--competing 
with China. The education of our young people is No. 1. Often around 
here we forget that, and in many of the States they have forgotten it.
  Teachers enjoy their jobs. They make huge financial sacrifices. Many 
of them could make much more money in another profession. So I think we 
should appreciate teachers, not only in thanking them--I thanked three 
who changed my life, and there are many more--but we should thank them 
by rewarding them financially because it is such an important 
profession.

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