[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 11656-11657]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      A THANK-YOU TO OUR NATION'S TEACHERS ON NATIONAL TEACHER DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GWEN MOORE

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 8, 2007

  Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of 
National Teacher Day and in strong support of our Nation's teachers.
  As the daughter of a teacher and now the mother of a teacher, I know 
firsthand the importance of quality education for all children and 
understand the dedication of these committed professionals to our 
children. Teachers are the driving force behind our Nation's 
responsibility to provide a high quality education to every child. I 
know from personal experience that education can be the key to a better 
life.
  I commend our Nation's teachers and their dedication to our youth. 
Teachers are on the front lines of our education system, working 
tirelessly to ensure that our children have the skills to reach their 
maximum potential.
  I want to give just one example of an extraordinary teacher from my 
district--the Fourth District of Wisconsin. Ms. Andrea Payan of 
Morgandale Elementary School in Milwaukee was recently awarded the 
nationally-recognized Milken Educator Award.
  Ms. Payan has motivated and inspired her students, her colleagues, 
and her community. Not only has Ms. Payan dedicated herself to her 
students, but she also serves as a mentor to new teachers, providing 
support and advice to those who have chosen this challenging and 
rewarding profession.
  On this day of National Teacher Appreciation, I encourage my 
colleagues to not just ``talk the talk,'' but to ``walk the walk'' and 
strengthen our investment in public education.
  I thank and congratulate Ms. Payan, as well as the thousands of 
teachers in my district who may not have been nationally recognized, 
but who share that same commitment and dedication. I encourage everyone 
to remember and thank a teacher who has made a difference in their 
life.

[[Page 11657]]



                          ____________________