[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E690]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING MS. RHODA OMEGA SHIRLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FREDERICA S. WILSON

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 14, 2026

  Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District, of the 
great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize and honor one of 
South Florida's most respected educators, Ms. Rhoda Omega Shirley, who 
is retiring after thirty-three years as a teacher and District Director 
with Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
  Ms. Shirley began her teaching career in 1980 as a full-time 
elementary school teacher. She also taught adult and secondary students 
part-time for eight years. Her love of teaching and fighting for 
educational opportunities for our children would catapult Ms. Shirley 
into leadership roles throughout her career. She has served as: Lead 
Education Specialist/Coordinator, Instructional Staffing Officer, 
District Supervisor Summer and Extended Year Programs, Director Area 
Center for Educational Enhancement (ACEE), Executive Director, and 
Director Summer Services/HIPPY.
  Ms. Shirley believes that all communities are rooted in the values of 
their ancestors and cultures. She leads by example and her dedication 
to her profession and work with our children extends far beyond the 
classroom. As President of the Women's History Coalition, she fought to 
secure literature on the contributions of women for Miami-Dade County 
Public Schools and she helped to initiate a scholarship for young women 
from the Women's History Coalition. Ms. Shirley is also a member of the 
Florida Association of School Administrators and Delta Sigma Theta 
Sorority.
  Ms. Shirley earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary 
Education from Florida Memorial College in 1980. She received her 
master's degree in Guidance and Counseling in 1989 from Barry 
University and attended Florida International University for her post 
graduate studies in Education Administration and Supervision.
  Please join me in honoring Ms. Rhoda Omega Shirley for her 
commitment, dedication and service to our students and to her 
community.