Hoyer Applauds Our Teachers During Teacher Appreciation Week
"This week we pay tribute to some of the most important individuals in our nation: teachers. Most of us owe our teachers a great debt, not only for our education in the classroom, but for inspiring and encouraging us to pursue our dreams. I hope Marylanders will join me in honoring Maryland's teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make to our communities.
"Quality education is the best investment we can make and it starts with our teachers. We are fortunate in Maryland to have some of the most talented educators in the nation.
"I join our state in celebrating Deborah Grinnage-Pulley, Principal at Calvert Middle School in Prince Frederick, who has been named a recipient of the 2004 Milken National Educator Award and was celebrated on Capitol Hill today. Principal Grinnage-Pulley is one of only one hundred new educators from across the country to receive one of the Milken National Awards, each of which includes an unrestricted $25,000 prize and participation in annual professional development conferences.
"The Milken Educator Award recognizes 'exceptional educational talent as evidenced by outstanding instructional practices in the classroom, school and profession; outstanding accomplishment and strong long-range potential for professional and policy leadership; and engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues and the community.' This award is well deserved by Principal Grinnage-Pulley and I join our state in saluting her and expressing our gratitude for her contributions to our community.
"Teachers and educators across our country are faced with many challenges, including an increasingly global economy that demands a highly skilled workforce. These factors have discouraged potential teachers and prevented many people from pursuing teaching as a career. But without enough qualified teachers, there will be no doctors, entrepreneurs, military officers, and even members of Congress in the coming generations, and America will be unprepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
"America must give teachers the right tools and rewards - a livable salary, safe classrooms, and sufficient resources for quality instruction - if they are to meet the high expectations we've set. If we do not, we are putting the future of America's children at risk.
"This week, I encourage you to thank our teachers for the life changing work that they do."
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