[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 24 (Wednesday, February 5, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E136]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING KERRY SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 2020

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Kerry Smith for years of exceptional public service to the young people 
of Lake County, California and to honor her as the Lake County Teacher 
of the Year.
  Ms. Smith was born and raised in Lake County, California. She 
graduated from Kelseyville High School before earning her AA in Child 
Development at Santa Rosa Junior College. She attended Sonoma State 
University, where she graduated with a degree in Environmental Studies 
and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with an emphasis in early 
childhood education. These outstanding credentials coupled with her 
passion and diligence enable Ms. Smith to connect with her students and 
enlarge their understanding.
  Kerry Smith is outstanding in many ways. As a Resource Teacher for 
students grades six through eight at Mountain Vista Middle School, it 
is Ms. Smith's responsibility to provide support to students who need 
additional help in math. In this role, she has spearheaded a model that 
allows a collaboration of math teachers to help struggling students. 
This approach has been so successful that nearly all her students are 
no longer in need of additional help and are performing well in their 
respective math classes. She not only has the instructional skills 
required to be a highly effective teacher, but also holds those 
intangible qualities that are at the heart of a successful educator. 
She is beloved by her students, often described as funny, kind, 
exciting, friendly, and positive.
  Ms. Smith is a natural leader. She has mentored many new educators 
throughout her career and continues to inspire those around her with 
her joyful attitude and dedication to her students. Teachers travel 
from across the school district to observe Ms. Smith in her classroom 
and they always leave impressed. She is the model of a lifelong 
learner, one that is constantly striving to improve her own practice 
and eager to try a new approach.
  Madam Speaker, there is not another individual who exemplifies the 
profession of teaching better than Kerry Smith. It is therefore fitting 
and proper that we honor Ms. Kerry Smith here today.

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