May 1, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 71 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Page H3397]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING STATE TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

  (Mrs. HAYES asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mrs. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 57 State teachers of 
the year from around the country who have convened in Washington.
  These educators illuminate what is working in our education system. 
Their unique and important achievements fill me with pride and 
inspiration about what teachers can do for our communities when we put 
students first.
  I welcome these outstanding teachers to Washington this week and to 
Capitol Hill this Thursday as part of a celebration of excellence.
  I would like to congratulate the 2019 National Teacher of the Year, 
Rodney Robinson, who is a committed advocate for all his students and 
has made it his mission to bring a voice to the voiceless and to those 
who feel unseen or undervalued by their communities.
  Mr. Robinson has been teaching social studies for 19 years to 
students at Virgie Binford Education Center inside the Richmond 
Juvenile Detention Center, teaching some of our Nation's most 
vulnerable students.
  Every student deserves a high-quality, equitable education. Mr. 
Robinson and all these educators work every day to fulfill that promise 
to their students.
  Equity and empowerment are at the core of Mr. Robinson's work and 
should also be at the core of our work here at the Federal Government.
  I also want to thank the Council of Chief State School Officers, or 
CCSSO, which, since 1952, has focused on excellence in public 
education. They are the oldest and most prestigious national honors 
program for teachers, and their work to celebrate and elevate the 
voices of teachers should be commended.
  It is, likewise, our job as Members of Congress to continue to 
elevate the profession of teachers, elevate the voices of students, and 
work together to make sure their dreams are recognized.

                          ____________________