[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 2]
[Senate]
[Page 2443]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                       IDAHO TEACHER OF THE YEAR

 Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize teachers 
across America for the vital work they do. I come from a family of 
educators, so I have seen firsthand the impact teachers have on 
children. They do this because they care about each and every child 
they teach. These public servants deserve our gratitude and thanks.
  While I believe this can be said of all teachers, I would like to 
recognize one particular teacher today who embodies this sentiment. She 
is Nancy Larsen, of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and she was chosen by my 
state as Educator of the Year.
  One look at her career shows why she was chosen as the Educator of 
the Year. She has dedicated eight years of her life to teaching the 
second grade, and these eight years have been full of innovation and a 
real love for education. Not only has she been busy in the classroom, 
she has also found time for activities which broaden her knowledge and 
make her a better teacher. For example, she has published articles in 
magazines such as Learning and Portals: A Journal of the Idaho Council 
International Reading Association. She has also designed and presented 
numerous workshops in the past five years, and participates in many 
professional organizations, including serving as President of the 
Panhandle Reading Council.
  While these activities are important, her classroom work is what 
truly sets her apart. For example, she actively seeks to involve 
parents in her students' education, realizing that parental involvement 
is key for scholastic success. Her weekly letters on students' 
activities, her project, ``Family Math Night,'' are further examples of 
her commitment to parents as computer and classroom helpers. There have 
been many studies which show that parental involvement increases 
children's ability to learn. Nancy know this from her first day on the 
job, and has worked to make this involvement a reality.
  Her students adore her and her peers respect her. This is what every 
teacher strives for, and Nancy has earned this respect. As one of her 
students said, ``I'm really glad to have such a nice teacher.''
  As you can see, Nancy Larsen is truly a treasure for her school, for 
Idaho, and indeed for the Nation in general. Teachers like Nancy make 
education a rewarding experience for students and parents alike. I am 
proud that the state of Idaho chose her as its Teacher of the Year. She 
is a great example for the rest of the state and the Nation, and I hope 
this award gives her a platform so she can help other teachers to have 
the same success she has.

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