[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8553]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          NATIONAL TEACHER DAY

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                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 3, 2005

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to join 
my colleagues in honoring our most honorable profession--teaching. 
Today, we take time to pay tribute to teachers on National Teacher Day. 
I want to echo this year's theme which is, ``Thank a teacher for making 
our public schools great.''
  Too many times, teachers are criticized as a result of the myriad, 
complexity of the modem educational system. But without the hard work 
and dedication of our nation's teachers, our children would be down a 
far worse course. Although teachers are responsible for the academic 
life of a student, they also significantly impact the personal lives of 
students in ways that stay with them forever. We all have a favorite 
teacher that made a difference in our lives.
  The idea of National Teacher's Day began with an Arkansas teacher 
named Mattye Whyte Woodridge in 1944. Ms. Woodridge began exploring the 
need for a national day to honor teachers with political leaders and 
educators. In 1953, she wrote to Eleanor Roosevelt who convinced 
Congress to proclaim a National Teacher Day.
  As we honor teachers on this special day, I would like to thank the 
more than 10,000 teachers in the Dallas Independent School District who 
so valiantly serve the students in my district. We should also 
recognize the invaluable contributions of the National Education 
Association, American Federation of Teachers, and the Parent Teacher 
Association, of which I was a member and former president.
  Today, let us not only commit to teachers in words but in our 
actions. We have the obligation and power to make their jobs easier. We 
could start by fully funding the No Child Left Behind Act, created not 
only to hold schools and teachers accountable but also the Congress. It 
is a dishonor to our teachers that this program is underfunded by $27 
billion.
  Because, it makes no sense that they be held accountable without the 
resources they need to successfully implement their job.
  This day is of particular significance, as I have long championed the 
need for more emphasis in science and math education, particularly for 
young children. I believe teachers help illustrate to students how they 
will become tomorrow's leaders in these fields that are important to 
our future. Showing students the importance and the value of the 
science and technology fields is a lifelong process.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating our 
nation's teachers on National Teacher Day.

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