[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 177 (Friday, October 16, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E962]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING MR. ERIC HALE FOR BEING THE 2021 TEXAS TEACHER OF THE 
                                  YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 16, 2020

  Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. 
Eric Hale for becoming the first African American man bestowed with the 
honor of Texas Teacher of the Year in the 51 years of this award's 
existence.
  Last month, the Texas Association of School Administrators announced 
that Mr. Hale had been named the 2021 Texas Teacher of the Year for his 
outstanding leadership and excellence in teaching kindergarten and 
first-grade students at David G. Burnet Elementary School.
  Mr. Hale understands the challenges some of his students' face daily, 
from hunger, poverty, or domestic violence. He has experienced some of 
this in his own life growing up. He has successfully countered this 
negative energy thanks to his unique teaching style that is like no 
other. He uses music in an innovative way to engage with his students 
while flooding them with positivity and encouragement so that the 
students are able to step away from their worries for a moment and 
learn in a fun environment. This positivity and energy in the classroom 
is exactly what is needed for our students as they, just like the rest 
of us, navigate through this challenging time.
  Mr. Hale has been recognized for his work previously as the winner of 
the 2019 Urban Teacher of the Year award among others. He has also had 
the opportunity to appear on multiple televisions shows including the 
Kelly Clarkson show and TODAY.
  Madam Speaker, I am so thankful that the Dallas Independent School 
District is home to one of the very best teachers in the country. I 
wish Mr. Hale the best of luck as he competes with other teachers 
around the country to receive the prestigious National Teacher of the 
Year award.

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