House Passes Sessions' Bill Honoring Special Education Teachers

U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions today applauded House approval of his resolution (H.Con.Res 284) honoring America 's special education teachers. The House passed the resolution unanimously by a roll call vote.

Introduced June 8, 2010 as the first congressional resolution commending America 's special education teachers, Sessions' bill highlights special education teachers' unique sacrifice and dedication to improving the life skills of individuals with special needs.

"As the parent of a young man with intellectual disabilities, I am elated for Congress to honor the hard work, commitment, and excellence of America 's special education teachers," said Sessions. "Distinct from their other colleagues in the teaching profession, special education teachers champion unique victories and share difficult challenges -- often becoming unsung heroes in the eyes of their special needs students. I am deeply grateful to the special education teachers in my son's life who guide, challenge, and inspire him to focus on his abilities -- not his disabilities."

In 1972, the Supreme Court granted children with disabilities the same right and opportunity to receive a quality public school education as their nondisabled peers. To fulfill this promise, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in law guarantees students with disabilities the right to a free appropriate public education, providing the opportunity to improve their quality of life through education with the potential of translating this learning to job skills for future employment.

Currently, over 370,000 highly-qualified teachers provide special education services to 6.6 million children in the United States . Special education teachers are working with a wide-range of special needs, from learning disabilities and speech or language impairments to physical and intellectual disabilities.

Under IDEA, special education teachers have a specific role in developing an individualized education program for every special education student based on the student's needs and abilities. Within their role as teacher, they also become caretaker, guardian, mentor, and counselor. These educators form strong relationships with the parents of children with special needs to ensure trust and accountability in the classroom.

"For nearly 40 years, America 's special education teachers have offered hope, knowledge, and skill to millions of children with disabilities," said Sessions. "Thanks to their care and leadership, people with special needs have brighter futures in our communities. It's time that Congress said "thank you' and honored these heroic educators. My gratitude is with them."

Source