Teacher Appreciation Week

Floor Speech

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Ms. SALAZAR. Mr. Speaker, Teacher Appreciation Week is an annual celebration of educators and the remarkable contributions they make in the lives of students, parents, schools, and entire communities. Today, I want to recognize the extraordinary teachers of Miami-Dade County, the state of Florida, and across the United States.

Teachers play a crucial role in the lives of their students. In addition to their role as an educator, they may also be a coach, counselor, tutor, or simply someone a student can confide in. The presence of teachers in these roles help foster a culture of trust and comfort with their students. Despite the challenging circumstances many face, teachers continue to show up each day inspiring, empowering, and motivating their students. Whether in or outside the classroom, teachers have remained committed to the success of their students, especially in my own state of Florida. I would like to recognize the accomplishments of Franquiana Williams, who was named 2023 Rookie Teacher of the Year by Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

A proud product of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Franquiana juggles many hats. In addition to being a young mother, she is a devoted teacher who encourages students to be authentic while bringing reading lessons to life using trendy dance moves, real-world examples, and hand gestures. She also doesn't hesitate to put her Spanish- speaking skills to the test if it means helping ESL students better comprehend a lesson. She strives to inspire her students to thrive not just academically but also socially and emotionally. Williams' ``Calm Corner'' allows students to learn how to reflect on their feelings and brainstorm healthy ways to express frustrations or disagreements that can interrupt learning. She is a shining example of why our teachers are so important.

As I said before, Teacher Appreciation Week is a time to celebrate the contributions of educators. The exceptional leadership they bring to the teaching profession is vital toward ensuring the success of our students. So, on this occasion of Teacher Appreciation Week, I thank the teachers of Florida for leading with ingenuity, resilience, and passion each and every day in their classrooms, and for their commitment to Florida's students.

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