[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 80 (Thursday, May 11, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E423]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MARIA ELVIRA SALAZAR

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 11, 2023

  Ms. SALAZAR. Mr. Speaker, Teacher Appreciation Week is an annual 
celebration of educators and the remarkable contributions they make in 
the lives of students, parents, schools, and entire communities. Today, 
I want to recognize the extraordinary teachers of Miami-Dade County, 
the state of Florida, and across the United States.
  Teachers play a crucial role in the lives of their students. In 
addition to their role as an educator, they may also be a coach, 
counselor, tutor, or simply someone a student can confide in. The 
presence of teachers in these roles help foster a culture of trust and 
comfort with their students. Despite the challenging circumstances many 
face, teachers continue to show up each day inspiring, empowering, and 
motivating their students. Whether in or outside the classroom, 
teachers have remained committed to the success of their students, 
especially in my own state of Florida. I would like to recognize the 
accomplishments of Franquiana Williams, who was named 2023 Rookie 
Teacher of the Year by Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
  A proud product of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Franquiana 
juggles many hats. In addition to being a young mother, she is a 
devoted teacher who encourages students to be authentic while bringing 
reading lessons to life using trendy dance moves, real-world examples, 
and hand gestures. She also doesn't hesitate to put her Spanish-
speaking skills to the test if it means helping ESL students better 
comprehend a lesson. She strives to inspire her students to thrive not 
just academically but also socially and emotionally. Williams' ``Calm 
Corner'' allows students to learn how to reflect on their feelings and 
brainstorm healthy ways to express frustrations or disagreements that 
can interrupt learning. She is a shining example of why our teachers 
are so important.
  As I said before, Teacher Appreciation Week is a time to celebrate 
the contributions of educators. The exceptional leadership they bring 
to the teaching profession is vital toward ensuring the success of our 
students. So, on this occasion of Teacher Appreciation Week, I thank 
the teachers of Florida for leading with ingenuity, resilience, and 
passion each and every day in their classrooms, and for their 
commitment to Florida's students.

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