[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4383]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  PAYING TRIBUTE TO REBECCA A. JOHNSON

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                           HON. JON C. PORTER

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 15, 2007

  Mr. PORTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Rebecca A. Johnson, 
principal of Kirk Adams Elementary School in Las Vegas, Nevada and 
recent recipient of the Milken Family Foundation National Educator 
Award.
  The Milken Family Foundation National Educator Awards program 
recognizes and rewards outstanding teachers, principals, and education 
professionals who go above and beyond to achieve excellence in 
education. Since the first award was presented in 1987, over 2,200 
recipients have this prestigious award. Ms. Johnson was one of the 100 
educators chosen for 2006-2007 school year and the 78th Nevada educator 
to win.
  Ms. Johnson's long career as an outstanding educator and an effective 
administrator has earned her this much deserved national recognition. 
For the past 17 years, Ms. Johnson has served the Clark County 
community where her insight, guidance, and leadership have propelled 
academic improvement in students of all levels and abilities.
  As principal of Kirk Adams Elementary School, Ms. Johnson has 
implemented several programs that have not only inspired student 
successes but have also enhanced the professional lives of the teachers 
on her staff. Adams Elementary is one of only four schools in the Clark 
County School District to be designated as an empowerment school. This 
distinction allows the administrators of Adams Elementary to have more 
control over the school's budget and curriculum.
  Most notably, under Ms. Johnson's leadership, the school has seen 
teacher turnover rate reduce to less than 10 percent. Finally, through 
the establishment of a Professional Learning Community, Ms. Johnson has 
created an environment in which teachers, parents, students, and the 
community work together to facilitate student success.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Ms. Johnson and her achievements. 
I wish Ms. Johnson continued success in her career in primary 
education.

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