[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 7]
[House]
[Pages 8600-8601]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING THE TEACHERS OF AMERICA

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Burns) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my appreciation to the 
teachers of America. As we celebrate National Teacher Appreciation 
Week, it is important that we recognize the good people of this Nation 
who hold the keys to our future and the future of our children, the 
unselfish, dedicated teachers who spend their days taking care of 
America's future.
  Our teachers help our children in many ways. They are leaders. They 
are inspirations that provide students with the foundation that they 
take with them for a lifetime, and they learn to believe in themselves. 
When we succeed, they are guiding us to our next great accomplishments. 
When we fail, they are the understanding hearts that lift us back up. 
Teachers are truly noble professionals.
  In 1944, Mattye Whyte Woodridge, an Arkansas teacher, began 
corresponding with political educational leaders about establishing a 
national observance to honor members of the teaching profession. This 
effort came to fruition when Congress proclaimed National Teacher Day 
in 1953.
  I encourage those with children in school to offer their support and 
their thanks for the work done by our children's teachers. As a former 
educator, I

[[Page 8601]]

know that your appreciation for their efforts will be most welcome.
  I want to express my gratitude and thanks to the teachers who helped 
me many years ago. Inez Grovenstein, who got me through first grade; 
Mary Brunson, who guided me through fifth grade after I lost my mother 
tragically at the age of 10; and Mary Catherine Counts, who solved the 
mysteries of high school math too many years ago.
  These are teachers much like teachers around our Nation who have made 
a lasting impression on the minds of young America and whose lessons I 
greatly appreciate.

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