[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 93 (Wednesday, June 6, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3030-S3031]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO MICHELLE DINWIDDLE

 Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I recognize Michelle 
Dinwiddie, the Polk County Teacher of the Year from Lake Gibson High 
School in Lakeland, FL.
  Michelle follows what she calls the Pro Principle, that she and her 
students should be professional, productive, and proficient in all 
aspects of their lives. She challenges her students to demonstrate 
professionalism in speech and attire, productivity in achievement, and 
proficiency in learning so they can succeed.

[[Page S3031]]

  Michelle fosters growth in student learning and behavior. She uses 
whiteboard tables within her classroom to enhance student engagement 
and learning gains. While her academic responsibility is to increase 
the reading and writing scores on the Florida State Assessment, her 
professional responsibilities far exceed the walls of her classroom. 
She serves as department chair, leading educators in professional 
development. Michelle seeks to mentor new teachers and nurture future 
teacher leaders. She serves as an ambassador for teacher collaboration 
and observation, both factors she believes will create positive change 
within her school.
  Michelle holds a bachelor's degree in secondary English education 
from Southeastern University in Lakeland, FL, and is currently pursuing 
a master's degree in collaborative teaching. She received the 
Southeastern University Award and Most Outstanding Secondary English 
Major Award in 2009, publishing two original poems locally and 
nationally.
  I extend my sincere thanks to Michelle for her dedication to helping 
her students achieve success. I look forward to hearing of her 
continued success throughout her teaching career in the years 
ahead.

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