Alexander Honors Teacher Appreciation Week

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 7 – U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate education committee, today released the following statement recognizing “Teacher Appreciation Week,” being celebrated this week: 

“This week we honor the 3.4 million teachers who work so hard each day so our nation’s children can succeed. It doesn’t take long to figure out how important a great teacher is, and as the son of a former teacher, I know firsthand the impact teachers have on a child’s ability to succeed. 

“As governor, I implemented the first statewide program to pay teachers more for teaching well. As we continue to work to fix No Child Left Behind, I look forward to helping states and school districts support and reward the good work of teachers so they can continue to give our students the best opportunities to achieve.”

 Last month, the Every Child Achieves Act by Senate education committee Chairman Alexander and Ranking Member Murray (D-Wash) passed unanimously out of committee and will help states and school districts support teachers, including by providing resources for teacher training and for ongoing rigorous professional development. The legislation will head next to the Senate floor for consideration. 

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