[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 176 (Tuesday, October 13, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E951]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





             HONORING ERIC HALE, TEXAS TEACHER OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. COLIN Z. ALLRED

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 13, 2020

  Mr. ALLRED. Madam Speaker, I am honored to congratulate Eric Hale for 
becoming the first black man to be named Texas Teacher of the Year. On 
September 30, 2020, the Texas Association of School Administrators 
named Mr. Hale the Texas Teacher of the Year for 2021. He is now a 
finalist for the National Teacher of the Year. Mr. Hale is a 
kindergarten and first-grade teacher at David G. Burnet Elementary 
School in Dallas ISD. Throughout his career, he has gone above and 
beyond and has been recognized for excellence in teaching.
  Earlier this year, he appeared on the Kelly Clarkson Show and shared 
how he uses encouragement and positivity to motivate his students. He 
takes them outside for math and science lessons in the real world. He 
uses music to keep his students engaged.
  Everyone needs a teacher who goes the extra mile, and for many 
students at David G. Burnett, that teacher is Mr. Hale. Mr. Hale, an 
advocate for his students, and through his commitment and dedication, 
he also teaches them to become their own advocates.
  I was raised by a single mom who was a public school teacher and I 
went to Dallas public schools all my life. I benefited from teachers 
like Mr. Hale growing up and I am proud that this generation of 
students has Mr. Hale as their teacher.
  It is a privilege to recognize Mr. Hale for being the 2021 Texas 
Teacher of the Year and for becoming the first black man to receive 
this important and prestigious honor.

                          ____________________