Tribute to National Teacher Day

TRIBUTE TO NATIONAL TEACHER DAY -- (Extensions of Remarks - May 10, 2006)

* Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my fellow Americans and my colleagues in Congress to celebrate one of the most honorable and significant professions. National Teacher Day is an opportunity for us to recognize the extraordinary effort of our Nation's educators and reflect on the profound impact of their work.

* As a former teacher and school administrator, I am particularly aware of the challenges that educators face, such as over-crowded and under funded schools. Teachers are more highly educated than ever and bring a higher level of expertise to their work than their predecessors. The majority of American teachers have at least one advanced degree and 49 percent have at least 15 years of experience in the classroom. Teacher salaries, however, have not increased commensurate with greater teaching experience and higher levels of education.

* Low salaries and general discontent with working conditions drive capable, experienced teachers out of the profession, and by 2014, schools nationwide will need another 3.9 million teachers. The numbers of male teachers and teachers of color does not reflect gender and racial trends in the general population. An increase in salaries for all teachers, as well as better recruitment and retention policies for minority and male teachers may help to rectify this problem.

* I hope that National Teacher Day will serve as a reminder to Americans of the crucial role that teachers play in our society. It is imperative that we increase funding for education and make teacher's salaries commensurate with their experience, education, and hard work. Teachers help to shape future generations, and they deserve both our respect and our continuing support. Please join me in thanking them on this special day.

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