WALZ CELEBRATES NATIONAL TEACHER DAY AND TEACHER RECOGNITION WEEK

05/08/2007

Washington, D.C.-Today, Congressman Tim Walz released the following statement to commemorate National Teacher Day and Teacher Recognition Week.

Hi, this is Congressman Tim Walz and today on National Teacher Day I'd like to take a moment to honor the commitment and hard work of America's educators.

As you may know, I spent nearly two decades in the classroom before taking a leave of absence from Mankato West High School to serve in the United States Congress. I know from first hand experience that teachers serving across Southern Minnesota and throughout the state are some of the best in the world. Our teachers go above and beyond every day for our students. Teaching is one of the most honorable professions in the world.

Our educators are called upon daily to teach our children the life-lessons that textbooks cannot. They offer the advice that only someone who has counseled, coached and taught hundreds of students can offer. Teachers open students' minds to ideas, knowledge and dreams.

Our hope for the future currently rests in the thousands of young minds making their way through school in Southern Minnesota. Every day, we entrust this great asset to the educators that shape our children. In return, teachers help our democracy thrive by laying the foundation for good citizenship, scientific innovation, and the next generation's master-works of art and literature.

Today, I ask everyone to make an effort to thank an educator that impacted their life. On this one day a year, a kind word is the least we can do for those that have given our children so much.

National Teacher Day is today, Tuesday, May 08.