[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 129 (Wednesday, July 22, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S4418]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO JACOB POELMA

 Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I am pleased to honor Jacob 
Poelma, the Monroe County Teacher of the Year from Coral Shores High 
School in Tavernier, FL.
  Jacob believes that, as a teacher, his impact is greater than the sum 
of his students' test scores and homework grades. He strives to honor a 
student's individuality while fostering a sense of community in the 
classroom. He knows that every student has a unique story and focuses 
on tailoring his teaching to engage each student in the best way they 
are able to learn. Jacob works to provide real-time language 
translations of his lectures so all of his students can master the 
material in their native language.
  Jacob has taught biology in Monroe County for 4 years. He works with 
students in and out of the classroom by offering personalized teaching 
and mentorship opportunities, sponsors Coral Shores High School's 
Gaming Club, announces sporting events, and volunteers at 
extracurricular and other community activities.
  I extend my deepest gratitude to Jacob for his dedication to his 
students and efforts to improve the learning experience. I look forward 
to hearing of his continued success in the years to come.

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