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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E438]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING IOWA'S TEACHERS AS IOWANS OF THE WEEK
______
HON. CYNTHIA AXNE
of iowa
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, in honor of National Teacher Appreciation
Week, I am recognizing the incredible educators of Iowa's Third
Congressional District as our Iowans of the Week. Their daily
contributions to our children's lives have perhaps never been more
evident than during the past couple of months while our nation battles
the COVID-19 pandemic. As distance learning has become the new norm,
parents-turned-home-educators have developed a whole new appreciation
for the academic, social, and emotional support teachers provide our
children.
It has been remarkable to see educators and school staff rise to the
challenge of serving their students in the face of this unprecedented
crisis. With little time to plan and while coping with the pandemic
themselves, they transitioned lesson plans to fit the constraints of
distance learning and have worked hard to find creative ways to keep
students engaged. Within the Des Moines Public School district alone,
teachers have now moved more than 6,300 Pre-K through 8th grade classes
to an online learning platform and distributed nearly 21,000 laptop
computers to students across grade levels. In districts across central
and southwest Iowa, teachers have also packed countless bags of books,
school supplies, games, and other supports for students and families.
And at Thomas Jefferson High School in Council Bluffs, teachers are now
hosting activities like Anime Club meetups via Google Hangouts.
Their efforts extend far beyond traditional lesson plans. Teachers
were among the first to recognize and fill the void of food insecurity
for many students in their school districts; for weeks now, they have
stepped up to pack and serve tens of thousands of meals weekly for
students who might otherwise go without. They know many students still
need a wellness check, so educators have donned masks and knocked on
doors to make sure students are safe and secure. And at the end of the
day, teachers still find the energy to organize parades through their
school districts just to put a smile on their students' faces.
Their contributions to our community don't end with their students.
We even have teachers who are working around the clock to produce face
shields for health care workers on their school's 3D printers.
Teachers deserve special recognition this week and every week for
their willingness to go above and beyond for the benefit of our
students and families. In many ways, educators are the heart of Iowa's
communities. They are thoughtful caretakers and mentors of our
generations to come, and it is a role they approach with purpose and
compassion. While educators face various professional challenges, many
see teaching as their life's calling. I am grateful for every person
who has chosen to spend their careers sparking curiosity and creativity
in our children. So please allow me to express my deep appreciation and
thanks to every teacher in Iowa's Third Congressional District, and to
honor them as Iowans of the Week.
____________________
