E1192 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks June 9, 2005 raise by the time they finish in August. They Technical College and the Indian Community Rev. Jefferson is known throughout the are well on their way to raising an enormous School of Milwaukee. community as a ‘‘bridge builder.’’ Over the amount of money towards a cause that needs Spotted Eagle High School’s mission is to years, he has successfully been able to distin- immediate attention. promote an appreciation for all cultures, em- guish Cullen Missionary Baptist Church as a Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me phasizing their relevance in today’s society. center for community activism as well as a in commending George Bishop, Matt Celesta, The school endeavors to create a sense of haven for those in need of care. In 1991, he Joe McConaty, Matthew McConaty, John-Paul community while emphasizing building skills established the Cullen Christian Child Devel- Maxfield, Dan Murray, and Chad Spurway for that can contribute to students’ self-reliance. opment Center, a daycare center for Christian their efforts and pledging support for Colorado The curriculum includes strong School- To- youth. A few years later, in 1998, his leader- Trail For Multiple Sclerosis. Work components; a culturally-integrated, ship led to the creation of the Cullen Senior f competency-based, student-centered cur- Citizens Ministry, Inc., which has provided riculum; and social services designed to meet more than 54 affordable housing units for sen- RECOGNITION OF ARMY the educational needs of their students and iors 55 and older. His housing ministry also re- SPECIALIST BRIAN M. ROMINES their families. cently created: ‘‘Brand New City, Inc.,’’ which Mr. Speaker, it is a fact that many young has built, since its inception, more than 500 HON. JOHN SHIMKUS people in Milwaukee face daunting challenges houses for low income families and is well on OF ILLINOIS in completing their education because they its way to surpassing that number this year. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES live in poverty. Spotted Eagle High School rec- Mr. Speaker, Rev. Jefferson is not one who ognizes those challenges, and provides spe- Thursday, June 9, 2005 takes his role in the business of saving lives cialized support services to assist students in and souls lightly, and his membership in the Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to coping with them as they strive to complete Houston Branch of the NAACP, where he has recognize the life of Army Specialist Brian their educational goals. Case managers work served since 1987 as the Director of Religious Romines who was recently killed in action directly with students to ensure that family Affairs, is indicative of that commitment. Even fighting for freedom outside Baghdad, Iraq. needs are being addressed. Students at the as he works tirelessly as a full-time pastor, he Romines was a 20-year-old native of Simp- school benefit from the emphasis on parental has managed to fulfill the roles of moderator son, Illinois who served as an Army Specialist involvement, and access to health-related of the Houston Gulf Coast Baptist Association; assigned to the A Battery, 2nd Battalion, services and alcohol and drug awareness pro- president of the Ministry Advisory Council of 123rd Field Artillery Regiment, Army National grams. Members of the school staff are rooted Houston and chairman of the board of Love Guard in Milan, Illinois. He was a 2003 grad- in the same cultural communities as the stu- Our Kids, Inc. He is the founder president of uate from Vienna High School, Vienna, Illinois. dents they teach. Education and support pro- city-wide summer recreational programs and After his 18th birthday and his high school gram are designed to be relevant to students’ since 1979, coordinated programs for Hous- graduation, Romines felt the call to duty and cultural backgrounds, increasing the likelihood ton’s Ministers Against Crime, Inc. signed up for the National Guard. According to that students will stay in school and complete Rev. Jefferson is the recipient of a number reports, he was killed outside of Baghdad by their education. of honors and awards that include, but are not a roadside bomb. I know firsthand that caring and committed limited to certificates of appreciation from Romines is survived by his mother, Melinda educators have the ability to empower stu- then-Governor of Texas, Ann Richards, and Austin of Dongola, Illinois, his father, Randy dents. I salute the staff, board members, Houston Mayor Bob Lanier in 1992. That Romines of Simpson, Illinois, and his brother present and former students and parents of same year, he also received the Barbara Jor- Randall Romines, also a member of the Na- Spotted Eagle High School for their efforts to dan Leadership Award in recognition of his un- tional Guard. I am proud of the service this transform the lives of Milwaukee’s youth. I compromising commitment to diversity and young man gave to our country and the serv- wish them the best as they celebrate their human rights. Over the years, tributes from ice his fellow troops perform everyday. Not Tenth Anniversary, and look forward to cele- Texas Southern University, the Houston De- enough can be said about Army Spc Romines. brating many more milestones and achieve- fender, Anheuser-Busch Companies and oth- It is troops like him that are risking their lives ments with them. ers have all highlighted the accomplishments day in and day out to ensure our freedom f of one of Houston’s greatest spiritual leaders. here at home and to others throughout the Finally, Mr. Speaker, when history records rest of the world. I salute him and my best A TRIBUTE TO REV. ROBERT the legacy of Rev. Robert Charles Jefferson, I wishes go out to his family and all the troops CHARLES JEFFERSON, FOUNDER believe he will be touted as a visionary who fighting to ensure freedom and democracy. AND SENIOR PASTOR OF CULLEN has dedicated his life to ensuring that no one May God bless them and may God continue MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH is left behind. to bless America. f f HON. AL GREEN OF TEXAS CONGRATULATING THE UNIVER- IN CELEBRATION OF THE TENTH SITY OF MICHIGAN WOMEN’S IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ANNIVERSARY OF SPOTTED SOFTBALL TEAM ON WINNING EAGLE HIGH SCHOOL Thursday, June 9, 2005 THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE WORLD Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, SERIES. HON. GWEN MOORE Today I pay tribute to a noble spiritual leader, OF WISCONSIN a friend and my pastor, Rev. Robert Charles HON. JOHN D. DINGELL IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Jefferson. As the founder and senior pastor of OF MICHIGAN the Cullen Missionary Baptist Church, he will, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Thursday, June 9, 2005 on Sunday, June 12, 2005, celebrate more Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I than 28 years of loyal and dedicated service Thursday, June 9, 2005 rise today to recognize the achievements of to not only the ministry but to the people of Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to an outstanding high school in my district. On the great city of Houston, TX, as well. honor and congratulate the University of Michi- June 10, 2005, Spotted Eagle High School Mr. Speaker, Rev. Jefferson was born on gan women’s softball team on Winning the celebrates its Tenth Anniversary. For the past January 12, 1942 in Baton Rouge, LA. After Women’s College World Series (WCWS), decade, Spotted Eagle High School has of- completing his undergraduate education, he bringing home the first national championship fered a supportive learning environment not moved to Houston, TX, where he completed in the softball program’s history. Displaying the only for the Native American students for graduate study at Texas Southern University hard work and tenacity they acquired through whom it was designed, but for a multiracial and InterBaptist Theological Center. For more a grueling 72 game season, this team dug body of at-risk youth whose needs require the than 17 years, before accepting his call to the deep and rose to victory, defeating the two- intensive and individualized attention the ministry, Rev. Jefferson ran a very successful time defending champion UCLA Bruins 4–1 in school provides. air-conditioning business. Because he is a extra innings. Spotted Eagle was established in 1994 by great spirit-filled religious leader, in 1977, he This season Michigan advanced to its eighth the Milwaukee Area American Indian Man- was led to organize Cullen Missionary Baptist WCWS, earned its first No.1 national ranking power Council in partnership with the Mil- Church where, since its founding, he has and won its 10th Big Ten Conference cham- waukee Public Schools, the Milwaukee Area served as senior pastor. pionship and seventh Big Ten Tournament

VerDate jul 14 2003 08:07 Jun 10, 2005 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A09JN8.043 E09PT1 June 9, 2005 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1193 title. Head coach Carol Hutchins earned the Council of La Raza, the National Education reer in education, to established teachers 900th victory of her career in 2005, while jun- Association, New Leaders for New Schools, working in fields like math and science, where ior Jennie Ritter earned the honor of Big Ten the New Teacher Project, Operation Public the teacher shortage is most acute, and to re- Pitcher of the Year and was one of three final- Education, Teach for America, the Teacher tirees with math and science expertise who ists for USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Advancement Program Foundation, and The would like to join the ranks of our nation’s Year. Teaching Commission. teachers. Michigan was the first team east of the Mis- We know the dismal effects on students The TEACH Act also offers up to $20,000 in sissippi to reach the championship game of when they lack the highest quality teachers. loan forgiveness to highly qualified teachers the Women’s College World Series and the And we know that there are many reasons wbo are working in high priority communities. first non-West Coast school to be ranked No.1 why people decline to enter the teaching pro- The TEACH Act also helps new teachers midseason. fession, or decide not to remain there. Rea- transition into the classroom and build their Proving they are more than just athletes, sons such as low pay, lack of professionl de- skills through state-of-the-art induction pro- these inspiring young women balanced class- velopment, unreasonable burdens, or little op- grams that include proven strategies such as work and community service with practice and portunity for advancement. Congress cannot structured mentoring, common lesson-plan- over 15 games per month—all while maintain- afford to ignore this immediate and mounting ning, and intensive professional development. ing strong academic records with six team crisis in the teaching profession that will grow My bill also addresses the problem that poor members earning Academic All Big Ten hon- exponentially as an unprecedented number of children are far less likely to be taught by ex- ors. teachers retire in the next five years. pert teachers. Nearly three-quarters of math My 45 colleagues who are original cospon- Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and all of my classes in high-poverty middle schools are sors and I are prepared to respond to this colleagues join me in sending our heartfelt taught by teachers who lack a major—or even challenge facing American education with an congratulations to coach Carol Hutchins for a minor—in math. The TEACH Act provides innovative approach that matches the serious- her coaching and leadership, and to the Wom- higher pay for exemplary highly qualified ness of the challenge with the ‘‘The TEACH en’s College World Series Champions, the re- teachers and principals who transfer into the Act of 2005’’—the next step our country needs markable Wolverine women: Lorilyn Wilson, hardest-to-staff schools where they can help to take to ensure that every teacher, in every Jennifer Kreinbrink, Lauren Talbot, Tiffany the children who need them most. Making classroom, teaching every child, is highly Worthy, Stephanie Bercaw, Michelle Teschler, sure these children are taught by a well- qualified. Stephanie Winter, Grace Leutele, Lauren Hol- trained teacher is crucial because over a five land, Jennie Ritter, Samantha Findlay, The most important single factor in deter- year period, it can close the performance gap Alessandra Giampaolo, Nicole Motycka, Re- mining a child’s success in school is the qual- between low-income and high-income stu- bekah Milian, Tiffany Haas, Michelle ity of his or her teacher. We all remember a dents. Weatherdon, Jessica Merchant, Becky Marx, teacher—or even several teachers—who The TEACH Act also helps create true ca- and Angie Danis. made us proud of ourselves for what we ac- reer ladders that allow teachers to advance in f complished and helped us face our future with the profession as they gain new knowledge hope and confidence. Imagine if every one of and skills. The bill would augment the salaries INTRODUCING THE TEACHER EX- our teachers over the years had given us that of teachers who seek out opportunities to ad- CELLENCE FOR ALL CHILDREN same strength. vance their own professional development and ACT The TEACH Act will accomplish four critical to mentor colleagues who are new to the pro- fession. goals: Increase the supply of outstanding We also know that nothing is more impor- HON. GEORGE MILLER teachers; Ensure all children have teachers tant in attracting—and keeping—outstanding OF CALIFORNIA with expertise in the subjects they teach; Iden- teachers than outstanding principals. My bill IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tify and reward our best teachers; Keep the raises standards and improves recruitment best teachers and principals in our schools. and training for new principals. Thursday, June 9, 2005 This bill is a major legislative initiative that Teaching is not just another job. Teaching is Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. will attract our most talented teachers to the a career that must be satisfying in itself, that Speaker, I am pleased today to introduce an classrooms of our nation’s toughest public must attract the best people, and that must in- struct our children to succeed in an increas- important piece of new legislation, the Teacher schools—and encourage them to stay there. ingly competitive world. Excellence for All Children Act, that is the next When our nation’s school doors close for We can have a dynamic and exciting future step our country needs to take to ensure that the summer later this month, more than for America’s schools and their students. We every teacher in every classroom, teaching 200,000 teachers, nearly 6 percent of the have the national resources. Now, we must every child, is highly qualified. teaching workforce, will leave the profession. make the commitment. First and foremost, I want to thank our Over the next decade, we will need to hire We must dedicate the necessary resources, teachers for their dedication and commitment more than two million new teachers to serve demand the necessary results, and stay with to taking on the overwhelming demands of in our public schools. Yet today, we have no it to the end to make sure that every child in America has a teacher we can all be proud of their profession. We ask them to perform mir- national plan for attracting outstanding stu- and that every teacher in America can say acles every day in our underfunded and over- dents into the teaching profession, or keeping they are proud of us too for the support we crowded system. And we owe it to them and them there. give them. to their students to provide more than rhetoric A large proportion of those who do enter I would also like to acknowledge three re- about our commitment to encouraging talented teaching remain a short time, discouraged by ports that were particularly useful. The Teach- people to enter the field and stay there. low salaries, inadequate opportunities for pro- ing Commission’s report, Teaching at Risk: A Let me also thank the organizations, and fessional development, and low public esteem. Call to Action; the Center for American Progress report. Ensuring a High Quality Edu- their members, who go to work every day with By failing to address this problem, Congress is cation for Every Child by Building a Stronger the commitment to help our schools and our shortchanging our children and costing tax- Teaching Force, and the National Academy of students succeed. They are a great constitu- payers more than $2.6 billion annually replac- Education report A Good Teacher in Every ency for this legislation, and I welcome their ing teachers who have dropped out of the pro- Classroom: Preparing the Highly Qualified support and their input in its development. fession. We need to act immediately to assure Teachers Our Children Deserve. All three re- Thank you to the Alliance for Excellent Edu- that we have an adequate supply of exem- ports were extremely instrumental, particularly cation, the American Federation of Teachers, plary teachers for the next generation of stu- in identifying practices that are working well and need to be taken to scale. the Business Roundtable, the Center for dents. The TEACH Act will take us where research American Progress Action Fund, the Chil- My bill addresses this need by helping and experience say we need to go: stronger dren’s Defense Fund, the Council of Great school districts to pay more competitive sala- teachers, stronger principals, stronger schools. City Schools, the Education Trust, the National ries and by offering up-front tuition assistance I look forward to achieving the vision of a bet- Council on Teacher Quality, the National to talented undergraduates committed to a ca- ter school system for all of our children.

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