Committee on Education and Labor : U.S. House of Representatives

Press Releases

Chairman Miller Statement on National Teacher Day 

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

 

WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), the chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, issued the following statement today in honor of National Teacher Day and National Teacher Appreciation Week:

“We all remember having a teacher who made a tremendous difference in our lives. Today, we celebrate the millions of teachers around the country who are making a difference in the lives of schoolchildren.

“No other factor in a school matters more to children’s educational success than the quality of their teachers. Unfortunately, for far too long teachers have gone without the respect and resources they deserve. If we are serious about improving education in this country, and if we are serious about strengthening our global competitiveness, then we must begin by making much more substantial investments in our teachers. We must do more to place well-trained teachers in the classrooms and subject areas that need them most, and reward those teachers that take on tough assignments. We must improve working conditions for teachers, and make sure that they have mentoring programs and career ladders to help build and update their skills over time. And we must improve the physical condition of our schools, so that teachers can teach in classrooms that are safe, healthy, and worthy of the students and teachers that inhabit them. We won’t be able to provide every child with a good public education until we start valuing the talent and commitment of our nation’s teachers.”

Miller has been a longtime champion of legislation to help elevate and strengthen the teaching profession. Improving teacher training, recruitment and support programs has been a core part of his efforts to significantly improve the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. He also is the author of a new law, the College Cost Reduction and Access Act, that will provide up-front tuition assistance of $4,000 each year – for a maximum of $16,000 – for college students who commit to teaching in high need public schools or high need subject areas. For more information on these TEACH grants, which are available for students for the coming 2008-2009 school year, click here.

###


 

 

FOR PRESS INQUIRIES
Contact: Aaron Albright / Rachel Racusen
2181 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202-226-0853