[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 3281]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING EMILY McMILLAN AS THE 2012 ESCAMBIA COUNTY, FLORIDA TEACHER 
                              OF THE YEAR

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                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 3, 2011

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. 
Emily McMillan as the 2011 Escambia County, Florida Teacher of the 
Year. Ms. McMillan joined the Escambia County School District in 
January 2008. From day one she has inspired her students to strive for 
excellence, and I am honored to recognize her achievements.
  Ms. McMillan was identified as an exceptional candidate for the 
teaching profession years before she stepped into the classroom. In 
high school, Ms. McMillan began taking dual enrollment courses at a 
local college. Her dedication to achieving scholastic excellence during 
her high school career put her on track to graduate from the University 
of West Florida in just two years. Ms. McMillan's undergraduate studies 
were completed on an accelerated time frame; however, during her time 
at UWF she received myriad awards and scholarships, including the 
Florida Retired Educators Association's Scholarship for Teachers of 
Tomorrow.
  Ms. McMillan arrived at Ferry Pass Elementary School ready to teach; 
nonetheless, she also knew that even the best teachers always have room 
to improve and new methods to employ. She joined the Reading Leadership 
Team, which meets on a monthly basis to create and implement reading 
goals for the entire school. She now serves as the Reading Committee 
Chairwoman, meeting with teachers from each of the seven grade levels 
at Ferry Pass Elementary and Middle School to work on the 
implementation of the Reading Leadership Team's goals. She also works 
with the Media Specialist to develop innovative methods to foster a 
love of reading.
  While the overall goal of education remains the same, teachers today 
must be able to adapt to the changing needs of their students. Ms. 
McMillan serves her students and, as a result, she incorporates a 
variety of instructional strategies to ensure that every student meets 
their specific learning needs. Her sedulous dedication to her students 
facilitates learning and creates an educational environment where 
students are given the time and support to ensure that they meet their 
goals.
  Ms. McMillan realizes that parents are fundamental to the educational 
success of their children. She creates lines of communication between 
herself and parents by sending home daily citizenship reports, a weekly 
folder with detailed notes, and a monthly newsletter. Her dedication to 
her profession earns her respect from students, parents, and colleagues 
alike.
  The importance of teachers cannot be overstated. They play an 
integral role in shaping the future of our nation. To be selected as 
Teacher of the Year, chosen from a large pool of extremely qualified 
applicants, is an immense honor. This award is a reflection of Ms. 
McMillan's assiduous work ethic and steadfast dedication to the 
students of Escambia County, Florida. She has proven to be among the 
many exceptional teachers in our nation, and I am proud to have her as 
a constituent in Florida's First Congressional District.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged 
to recognize Emily McMillan for her accomplishments and her continuing 
commitment to excellence at Ferry Pass Elementary School and in the 
Escambia County School District. Her passion for her students is 
laudable, and her dedication to her profession is exemplary. My wife 
Vicki joins me in congratulating Ms. McMillan, and we wish her all the 
best.

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