Political Quotes

“But too often in this debate, Mr. Speaker, we have failed to focus on the need to invest in our most valuable resource, teachers. Next to a good parent, I cannot think of anyone more important to a child than a good teacher. A good teacher can provide guidance and help reinforce lessons in character and values taught by parents. And a good teacher can open the minds of children and show them that the pursuit of their dreams can be more than just a dream. But somehow our society has devalued teaching. We no longer place teachers on a pedestal of honor and respect. Instead we lionize professional athletes. We deify movie stars. Even lawyers and politicians whom most people, with all due respect for those of us here, do not like are viewed by children as people who have actually made it in America. But they do not view teachers that way. Today a common cliche is, 'Those who can do and those who can't teach.' Think about what that statement means. We have so devalued the profession of teaching that we consider it a refuge to those who cannot make it elsewhere. That is so wrong.…”