Kildee Thanks Teachers for Compassion and Sacrifice

Washington, D.C. – In 1953, the 81^st Congress of the United States, urged by Eleanor Roosevelt, established National Teacher Day. The House of Representatives renewed its appreciation for America’s teachers, recognizing their knowledge, selfless dedication to their profession, compassion and sacrifice. Tuesday, May 6th is National Teacher Day and the week of May 4 – May 10 is Teacher Appreciation Week.

Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI) was a Latin teacher for more than ten years before he began a political career.  He taught at the University of Detroit High School for four years before taking a job at Flint Central High School in his hometown. 

Kildee, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education, offered his appreciation to Michigan’s teachers:

“Behind every great mind is a great teacher. Teachers hold a special place in my heart, not because I am one, but because they are the sculptors that mold our youth into the intelligent and innovative minds that will lead Michigan and our country into the future. Our investments in public education bring greater gains to our global competitiveness than any other.

“My gratitude goes out to the teachers who work every day to make America’s schools a great place to receive a quality education. The President’s priorities, however, lie elsewhere, as his budget calls for a virtual freeze in funding for public schools.  After inflation, that results in a cut in federal funding. My priorities lie not in paying for an endless war in Iraq, but with rebuilding American schools and retaining quality teachers.”

Kildee was lead sponsor of the bipartisan Head Start reauthorization bill that was signed into law in December. Head Start is the country’s premiere early childhood education and development program and has served more than 20 million low-income children and their families since 1965. He also is an original cosponsor of legislation to provide federal funding for public school modernization, renovation and repair.