[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 50 (Thursday, March 21, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E329]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING MR. BILL SMITH ON BEING NAMED OCEAN COUNTY'S TEACHER OF THE 
             YEAR BY THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ANDY KIM

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 21, 2019

  Mr. KIM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Bill Smith, a 
dedicated and enthusiastic educator who has worked as a public school 
teacher for the past 11 years and was recently named Ocean County's 
Teacher of the Year by the New Jersey Department of Education for his 
work as a Social Studies teacher at Southern Regional Middle School.
  Mr. Smith is a leader and a mentor in a classroom that values 
teacher-student collaboration, critical thinking, and character 
development. A product of the New Jersey public school system himself, 
his enthusiasm as an educator stems from a lifelong love of history and 
teaching. In his own words, Mr. Smith tries to make history come to 
life in his classroom in order to foster the same passion in his 
pupils. This, combined with his keen ability to build an exceptionally 
strong rapport with his students creates a dynamic and engaging 
classroom environment that has led to a notable score increase in 
interdisciplinary summative assessments among his classes. Recognizing 
the importance of a holistic education, Mr. Smith works vigorously to 
collaborate with the other teachers at Southern Regional to develop 
interdisciplinary educational opportunities.
  A lifelong learner, Mr. Smith continuously explores new educational 
opportunities for himself as well. Combining his love of learning with 
a passion for travel, he has journeyed from Dallas where he studied 
President Kennedy to Scotland to study the Enlightenment. A testament 
to his educational efforts, Mr. Smith has been published in academic, 
peer-reviewed journals as well as awarded various summer learning 
grants.
  Perhaps the most telling testament to Mr. Smith's life and career, is 
the informal conversations with his students that reveal that deep 
admiration for their teacher as well as a genuine excitement for his 
class. Mr. Smith's work as an educator thus far serves as a great 
example to teachers throughout the country regarding the power of 
applying dynamic instruction and building strong, positive 
relationships with students. I thank Mr. Smith for his service to our 
nation's young people and congratulate him on his well-deserved 
recognition as Ocean County Teacher of the Year.

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