Rob Bishop: “This week, in conjunction with Teacher Appreciation Week, is National Substitute Teacher Recognition Week, recognizing…”

“This week, in conjunction with Teacher Appreciation Week, is National Substitute Teacher Recognition Week, recognizing the 270,000 men and women who fill in for permanent teachers every day in the United States. Research by the Substitute Teacher Institute at Utah State University shows that approximately 1 year of every kid's K 12 education is conducted by those extraordinary individuals who are willing to take on the challenge of providing quality education when the permanent teacher is out of the classroom. I taught for 28 years. I have substituted for my colleagues' classes--it is a miserable job--but these members of the community who fill the void in education are worthy of our recognition. I would also like to recognize and commend the Substitute Teacher Institute, which since 1995 has been providing activities and techniques to substitutes and has been providing leadership in its service to districts and substitute teachers nationwide. The Substitute Teacher Institute works to revolutionize the role of substitute teachers into opportunities for educational excellence. I commend them, and I wish to commend all of those people who are substitutes in our Nation's school systems. ____________________”