Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the teachers of Broward and Miami-Dade Counties during National Teacher Appreciation Week, taking place this year from May 7 through May 11, 2012.
This week affords students, parents, and communities across the nation a chance to come together and honor the extraordinary work our teachers are doing in the classroom to transform the lives of young people and educate the next American generation.
It is a time to remember that education is the cornerstone of a vibrant and prosperous America, and to recognize the teachers that make America’s successful future a reality.
As a member of Congress and the proud mother of three children in Broward County Public Schools, I see the talent and hard work of our teachers every day – not just in my role as a policy maker, but in a very personal way.
Educating the next generation is an essential and great act of public service – it’s a calling that our teachers have answered because they care, they believe in our children, and they choose to make a difference in the lives of future generations.
For our students, nothing is more important than an excellent teacher at the front of the room and in their lives, and now more than ever, we must make an investment in our future by investing in our teachers.
We must provide them with the resources they need to successfully do their jobs, and we must afford them the respect and support that their profession deserves.
Thank you to Florida’s teachers for investing your skills and talents into the lives of future generations, and thank you for the sacrifices made each day to ensure that our kids have the tools they need to learn. We are all grateful for your work.
