[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 21217-21218]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  OUTSTANDING TEACHERS WITHIN MINNESOTA'S SIXTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILL LUTHER

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 21, 2002

  Mr. LUTHER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize a number of outstanding teachers within Minnesota's Sixth 
Congressional District. Their dedication to America's youth is indeed 
commendable.
  Everyday, these teachers enter the classroom prepared to provide 
students with the best education possible. They succeed in instilling 
children with the belief that they can achieve their goals. Their 
leadership provides students with the guidance to become successful. 
Their ability to shape our children's futures reflects their unceasing 
commitment to education.
  I would like to thank these teachers for their enthusiastic efforts 
in preparing our children for the future.
  Margaret Bruce, Hoover Elementary in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. 
Recently, Wal-Mart has recognized Margaret for her work with special 
needs students. Margaret makes each of her students feel special 
everyday.
  Karen J. Carlson, McAulliffe Elementary in Hastings, Minnesota. As 
District Coordinator, Karen has improved the Hastings' schools reading 
and language arts program. She has also implemented a class for sixth 
graders that has successfully improved students' reading ability.
  Kathy Dolinar, Rice Lake Elementary in Lino Lakes, Minnesota. Kathy 
has created a morning support program that brings parenting 
opportunities into Lexington. She has also opened a new drop-in center 
for students to interact with one another and familiarize themselves 
with technology.
  Jim Glazer, Grey Cloud Elementary in Cottage Grove, Minnesota. As a 
media and technology teacher, Jim has developed an extra-

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curricula computer club and developed Grey Cloud Elementary's student-
produced daily news program. He guides students and staff with 
successful media and technology instruction.
  Alice Gracek, Glacier Hills Elementary. Alice opened Glacier Hills 
Elementary in 1993 and has proven to be a strong and influential 
teacher and leader. She guides the curriculum for the school district, 
specifically using her talents and knowledge to write science 
curriculum.
  Jean Heisterkamp, Highland Elementary in Columbia Heights, Minnesota. 
As a speech and language teacher, Jean shows constant dedication to her 
students. Jean makes each student feel special by recognizing his or 
her special characteristics. Her leadership is apparent by her 
willingness to assist and mentor other teachers and their students.
  James Hoey, Farmington Middle School in Farmington, Minnesota. James 
provides a unique classroom experience for each student that enters his 
classroom through lively discussions. He eases students' fears about 
the first day of school by making a telephone call to each individual 
beforehand.
  Karen Holland, Valley View Elementary in Columbia Heights, Minnesota. 
Karen captures her students' interests by engaging their imagination in 
reading. She listens to students and encourages them to be open to 
others' perspectives in the classroom.
  Maria Kaiser, Forest Lake High School in Forest Lake, Minnesota. 
Maria has created a computer graphic design program that enables 
students to produce advertisements for local businesses. As the Forest 
Lake High School yearbook advisor, Maria has won numerous awards for 
her work with the school's yearbook.
  Karen Lips, Roosevelt Middle School in Blaine, Minnesota. Karen has 
developed and maintained numerous math competitions, including 
MATHCOUNTS. Karen also creates intriguing lessons for her students, 
while engaging them in teamwork. She continually provides guidance for 
the district during curriculum changes as well.
  Jane Matheson, Sandburg Middle School in Anoka, Minnesota. Jane 
recently received the Anoka-Hennepin Teacher Outstanding Performance 
award. Her teaching techniques give every student the fundamentals to 
learn.
  Susan Olson, Valley View Elementary in Columbia Heights, Minnesota. 
Everyday Susan challenges her students to use problem solving 
techniques and higher-level thinking. She teaches her fourth-grade 
class with an inventive curriculum, including French language and 
culture, pre-algebra, and public speaking.
  Diane Oslund, Jefferson Elementary in Blaine, Minnesota. In Diane's 
classroom, there is a very diverse student body, including a large 
number of students with special needs. Diane has gone to great strides 
to provide all students with the skills necessary to achieve their 
goals and has allowed every student to exceed their expectations.
  Kristin Ruetten, Valley View Elementary in Columbia Heights, 
Minnesota. For the past two years at Valley View Elementary, Kristin 
has created ways to relate to her students and make every lesson 
captivating. She has worked to strengthen her student's self-confidence 
and academic abilities.
  Glen Semanko, Sandburg Middle School in Anoka, Minnesota. At Sandburg 
Middle School, Glen provides students the opportunity to grow socially 
and academically. He directs the Student Builder's Club, a community 
service organization that builds student's self-confidence through 
volunteerism.
  Lisa Silmser, Sandburg Middle School in Anoka, Minnesota. Recently, 
Lisa received the Teacher Outstanding Performance award in Anoka-
Hennepin Schools and also received an additional scholarship for 
special projects. Receiving this award demonstrates her commitment to 
achievement and to creating learning opportunities for her students.
  Bonnie Stassen, Newport Elementary in Newport, Minnesota. Bonnie has 
shown remarkable leadership skills in the Newport Elementary special 
needs department. She continually acts as an advocate for students and 
tries to instill her knowledge in her students.
  Maribeth Swalve, Royal Oaks Elementary in Woodbury, Minnesota. 
Maribeth's dedication to student learning is apparent by her expertise 
and performance as an educator for Royal Oaks Elementary School. She 
sets high expectations while being a patient and positive influence for 
students.
  Nadine Thurow, Bailey Elementary in Woodbury, Minnesota. Over the 
past year, Nadine has been an active member of Bailey Elementary 
School's Character Education Team. She provides leadership and 
creativity in implementing a successful character-building program to 
help students realize the value of positive relationship among 
students, parents, and staff.
  Nancy Wadie, Royal Oaks Elementary in Woodbury, Minnesota. Nancy has 
been a dedicated member of Royal Oaks Elementary. She is actively 
involved in the school's site council, staff development committees, 
and numerous curriculum activities. She spends much of her personal 
time ensuring that students have positive learning experiences.
  Jen Wayke, PACT Charter School in Anoka, Minnesota. At the PACT 
Charter School in Anoka, Jen has initiated various programs to assist 
her students in achieving excellence, which include the Honor's 
Program, the Advisory Program and Curriculum, and various Symposiums. 
Her commitment to innovative education has instilled in her students 
the desire to excel.

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