Washington, DC -- Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) issued the following statement regarding Teacher Appreciation Day.  In addition, this week is also Teacher Appreciation Week.

“Today is Annual National Teacher Appreciation Day which is a perfect time to recognize America’s hardworking, dedicated and too-often underappreciated teachers.  The contributions they make to our lives are immeasurable, whether it is in our past academic experiences or in the molding of our children’s minds.  Each and every day, in schools across America, teachers work tirelessly to provide our children with a proper education and best prepare them for success in a global economy.  Alongside parents, teachers help to mold young minds and create our next generation of leaders.

“As a former school teacher and guidance counselor at IS 52 in the Bronx, it has been my goal since coming to Congress to put our children first by increasing our national investment in education.  I am unsure why my Republican colleagues have targeted public employees, such as our teachers, for the bulk of their cost-saving measures instead of agreeing to rolling back some of the tax breaks enjoyed by the richest Americans.  We should be looking to bolster our public education system, and devise ways to attract the bright young teachers of tomorrow to a career of educating America’s youth.  I was proud to receive an ‘A’ grade from the National Education Association for my votes on education and teachers, and I plan to continue my unwavering support for them.  All this week, we should remember our favorite teachers and how the helped prepare us for the future, and we should not forget the teachers who are inspiring children today.”

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