[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 76 (Thursday, May 10, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S2619]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO CHELSEA SMITH

 Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I honor Chelsea Smith, the 
Hamilton County Teacher of the Year from Hamilton County Elementary 
School in Jasper, FL.
  Chelsea believes it is important to show her students that she cares 
about them being successful as individuals. Her students come to her 
from various socioeconomic backgrounds and academic capabilities, but 
they all seek success.
  According to Chelsea, her educational philosophy is based on teaching 
students to learn how to deal with frustrations in order to break the 
learning barrier. Her students can then work on academically improving 
oneself to become proficient. Implementation of enrichment 
opportunities should be incorporated to challenge students once they 
have achieved mastery of grade level skills.
  Chelsea says each student has a different mindset for what success 
means. It is her responsibility to seek out the individual and 
determine what he or she needs in order to be triumphant. Her students 
begin class by knowing they will search for whatever opportunity 
today's class will bring in order to achieve individual success. Every 
day, once all students are in her classroom, she counts to three, and 
they recite the quote: I am important. I am intelligent. I will do my 
best. I will seek opportunity over obligation.
  Chelsea has a bachelor's of science degree in elementary education 
and a master of education degree in education leadership education and 
training management/instructional technology. She has taught fifth or 
sixth grade since 2013.
  I am pleased to recognize Chelsea for her dedication to providing her 
students with the opportunity to be successful. I extend my best wishes 
to her and look forward to hearing of her continued success.

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