Statement for the Record: National Teacher Day

Washington, D.C., May 8 -

Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of National Teacher Day, I want to thank the teachers around this country for giving so generously of themselves to their students, their communities  and their schools. Teachers make a difference in young people’s lives every day and in myriad ways.  I know personally the positive change they made in my life.  Teachers educate our young people not just in math and English, but in more difficult subjects such as sharing, expressing themselves and solving differences. The value they add to students cannot be measured. I also want to single out the teachers in the District I represent, Washington’s 8th,  because I’ve had the pleasure of visiting and interacting with so many there. Every single time I visit a school, I see students responding positively to teachers’ guidance and encouragement.

Our teachers never stop working. They work both in and outside the walls of their classrooms. They help coach athletes. They inspire students in the community. Our teachers act as positive role models for children that may not otherwise have them.  They spend weekends and evenings  grading papers and tests. They brighten their classrooms with inspirational and thoughtful artwork. They engage young people in the kind of conversations necessary to be leaders in future generations. They help supply students with the everyday life skills that they need to succeed.   

That is why I sponsored the Teacher Tax Relief Act, a bill increasing the maximum tax deduction available to teachers for out of pocket expenses from $250-$500 and a bill making professional development costs an eligible expense--in that way, teachers can continue to their own educations and continue to be effective in the classroom.  

Today, Mr. Speaker, on National Teacher Day, I thank all teachers for their service to America’s future generations. All of our teachers deserve the respect and support of students, parents and their communities. My pledge today is to support teachers in this House as much as possible.