[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 23398-23399]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNITION OF CHARLES FEESER FOR HIS EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD

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                          HON. MARY JO KILROY

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 21, 2010

  Ms. KILROY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Charles Feeser for 
being selected as a winner of the first annual Excellence in Teaching 
Award. I applaud his extraordinary service to Benjamin Banneker High 
School, the District of Columbia, and to each and every student that 
has passed through his classroom.
   Praise and accolades fall short when describing the difference an 
inspiring teacher makes in a young person's life. Mr. Feeser's 
effectiveness comes from his earnest love of education. His lessons 
radiate beyond the classroom, teaching students to aspire to and 
achieve at high levels throughout their high school and college 
coursework.

[[Page 23399]]

   Mr. Feeser has his students use nametags that refer to themselves as 
``Mr.'' and ``Ms.'' instead of their first names. The practice teaches 
students that there are rituals that transcend the classroom. That 
awareness gives students the tools they can use in the larger public 
sphere. Mr. Feeser creates a community within the classroom. He 
lectures less, opting to facilitate discussion among students instead. 
More than a teacher, he is a mentor and partner in the learning 
process. He takes his craft seriously, and expects the same from those 
who share the classroom with him. It comes as no surprise that his 
students consistently win awards, scholarships, and develop a lifelong 
appreciation for the arts of theater, painting, poetry and prose.
   At Benjamin Banneker High School, where he teaches English, art 
history, and serves as the English Department Chair, Mr. Feeser has 
dedicated his time beyond normal school hours. He is involved in 
afterschool activities, serving as the drama club sponsor and 
organizing an annual Poetry Out Loud competition that routinely sends 
students to prestigious national competitions. These connections 
enliven the school and Mr. Feeser's commitment to Banneker extends to 
all students, not just those enrolled in his classes.
  Before coming to the District of Columbia Public Schools, Mr. Feeser 
taught humanities and history at Columbus Alternative High School in 
central Ohio. Teaching in two urban public schools, his ability to 
identify, develop, and encourage talent in his students has shattered 
the stereotypes about public education. Even though he has spent the 
last 10 years teaching in the District of Columbia, Mr. Feeser is still 
well remembered in my district by parents and students who took his 
courses at Columbus Alternative High School. It is with great pride 
that I rise to honor Charles Feeser for his excellence as an educator. 
I look forward to his continued success with the District of Columbia 
Schools.

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