Honoring the Teachers of America

HONORING THE TEACHERS OF AMERICA -- (House of Representatives - May 06, 2004)

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Burns) is recognized for 5 minutes.

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my appreciation to the teachers of America. As we celebrate National Teacher Appreciation Week, it is important that we recognize the good people of this Nation who hold the keys to our future and the future of our children, the unselfish, dedicated teachers who spend their days taking care of America's future.

Our teachers help our children in many ways. They are leaders. They are inspirations that provide students with the foundation that they take with them for a lifetime, and they learn to believe in themselves. When we succeed, they are guiding us to our next great accomplishments. When we fail, they are the understanding hearts that lift us back up. Teachers are truly noble professionals.

In 1944, Mattye Whyte Woodridge, an Arkansas teacher, began corresponding with political educational leaders about establishing a national observance to honor members of the teaching profession. This effort came to fruition when Congress proclaimed National Teacher Day in 1953.

I encourage those with children in school to offer their support and their thanks for the work done by our children's teachers. As a former educator, I know that your appreciation for their efforts will be most welcome.

I want to express my gratitude and thanks to the teachers who helped me many years ago. Inez Grovenstein, who got me through first grade; Mary Brunson, who guided me through fifth grade after I lost my mother tragically at the age of 10; and Mary Catherine Counts, who solved the mysteries of high school math too many years ago.

These are teachers much like teachers around our Nation who have made a lasting impression on the minds of young America and whose lessons I greatly appreciate.

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