Angie Craig: “I rise today to recognize teachers across America for the vital work they do. I come from a family of educators, so I…”

“I rise today to recognize teachers across America for the vital work they do. I come from a family of educators, so I have seen firsthand the grueling work teachers go through every day--not for their own gain, but because they care about each and every one of our children. Teachers are not the highest paid people, they are not in the most glamorous profession--but they are, and should be, among the most respected people in our country. That is why it was so important that we declared this week as the 14th Annual Teacher Appreciation Week and that we recognized May 4, 1999, as National Teacher Day. Mr. President, the resolution that we passed yesterday states that education is key to the very foundation of American freedom and democracy we all enjoy, that teachers have a profound impact on the development of our children, and that much of the success we enjoy here in the United States can be attributed to our teachers.”