[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 71 (Monday, April 26, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S2194]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                       Teacher Appreciation Week

  Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, I rise today to recognize the 
extraordinary work of the teachers in Arkansas and across the country.
  As we prepare to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, it is clear 
that educators are in a class by themselves when it comes to 
resilience. Over the last 12 months, they have shown us what it means 
to be selfless and brave at a time when both were critically necessary.
  I am especially proud of teachers in Arkansas who rose to the 
challenge of leading classes 100 percent virtually for the first time 
and then embraced reopening our schools in August 2020. The sudden 
transition to virtual learning was an extraordinary hurdle, as 
educators had to learn new technology and new teaching techniques 
overnight.
  For all of us who have learned to use Zoom, it is worth taking a 
moment to imagine an online classroom with 30 wiggling first graders 
who want to show you their pets, or that you are teaching calculus to 
high school students who are preparing for an AP exam while attending 
class from their car at a Wi-Fi hotspot. Somehow, with great creativity 
and dedication, teachers embraced this mission and continued to do 
everything they could to reach each child.
  When Arkansas schools reopened in the fall, they were faced with a 
tremendous new challenge, from masks and social distancing to teaching 
classes, where some students were at their desks and others were on the 
screen. Arkansas teachers, once again, did the impossible for their 
students.
  Over the last year, I have heard from educators who worried for their 
own health and safety but said their dedication to their students was 
stronger than fear. They learned new skills literally overnight, 
overhauled the curriculum, and reimagined every aspect of their 
classroom to comply with COVID-19 guidelines. Somehow, they also made 
our kids feel safe--safe enough to learn, set an example with their 
positive attitudes, and let students know how important they were, 
whether in the classroom or on a computer screen.
  As they worked to maintain the academic progress of each child, they 
also provided a lifeline in an otherwise chaotic time. It is amazing to 
see the smiles on faces of the kids when they see their teachers. Even 
though nothing was normal, they gave students an escape back to 
normalcy by being there and continuing to do what they do best--teach.
  When we look back at the heroes of this tumultuous time, it is clear 
that teachers will be among those we honor as society's most valuable 
players.
  On behalf of the people of Arkansas, I want to thank our teachers for 
the great work that they have done this year and every year to bring 
out the best in each child and pave the way to a brighter future.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mrs. BLACKBURN. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
order for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.