Congresswoman Doris Matsui Honors National Teacher Day; Sacramento Teachers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

CONTACT: Alexis Marks or Mara Lee

(202) 225-7163

Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-05) honored our community's teachers today by recognizing National Teacher Day, and thanking Sacramento teachers for their commitment to providing the best education possible for our community's children.

"As we all know, behind every inspired student is an inspiring teacher. In Sacramento, our teachers provide leadership, encouragement, and support to our community's children in classrooms across the region," stated Rep. Matsui. "I would like to thank all of our community's teachers, and congratulate this year's Twin Rivers Unified School District's Teachers of the Year, who both exemplify the excellence we seek in our schools."

Anna Ampania, a First Grade Teacher at Woodridge Elementary School, was selected as the Twin Rivers District Elementary Teacher of the Year, for her leadership in the classroom. "I believe the classroom is essential for community building and service learning, shaping the child's self awareness, showing them a path for good citizenship and responsibility," Ms. Ampania said. "I am nurturing our future generations with compassion, integrity, and aspirations to follow their dreams."

Reginald Harris, winner of the Twin Rivers District Secondary Teacher of the Year honor, is the Physical Education Department Chair, the Assistant Athletic Director, and a Varsity Defensive Coordinator at State Football Champion's Grant Union High School. "I want to have a positive impact on children, sharing my zest for learning and reading, just as my father did for me," said Mr. Harris. "I want to motivate and inspire students, and let them know that they can achieve and succeed in life regardless of what the statistics may show. I believe that teaching gives me the opportunity to do all of these things every day."

"Sacramento is lucky to have a wealth of committed teachers who offer the best to their students, even in the face of shrinking state and local budgets, and the threat of lay-offs," said Rep. Matsui. "We know that strategic investments in education are one of the best ways to help America become stronger, more productive and competitive in the global market. By investing in and supporting our teachers, we are making a long-term investment in the education of our children, our grandchildren, and our community."

In addition to supporting the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which is already making over $63 million in key investments for Sacramento K-12 schools, Congresswoman Matsui co-sponsored the National Teacher Day resolution introduced today in the U.S. House of Representatives, which would create a national day of teacher recognition on the first Tuesday of the first full week of May each year.

National Teacher Day is celebrated as part of National Teacher Appreciation Week and is a time for honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make to our lives. Teacher Appreciation Week is sponsored by the National Parent-Teacher Association (PTA).