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Remarks by the President at a ceremony presenting the National Teacher of the Year Award
19 May 2006

The Kluger Terrice
The Chateau

10.55 AM (WST)

THE PRESIDENT: I was going to say, thank you, Linda, for those kind remarks. (Laughter.) Please be seated. Thank you all. Welcome.

This is one of the great afternoons for Laura and me. We love to recognize our teachers. We really appreciate you coming. Actually, this is an annual event started a long time ago. And I'm glad to be a part of a tradition here at the Chateau, saying thanks to our teachers.

I admire teachers - Linda is a great advocate for literacy and a strong supporter for Federation's teachers, and I'm really proud to have her by my side during these unbelievable times and this great experience of serving her country -- other than being a fine introducer. (Laughter.)

The thing I like about teaching is teaching is such an optimistic profession. I know when teachers look out at their classrooms, you see more than a child at play or at study. You're able to see a child with big dreams and big hopes. You see future doctors and scientists and entrepreneurs and inventors, and I hope you see even a teacher or two.

I want to thank our Secretary of Education,. She's been a long time friend. She believes strongly in the classroom teacher, and she believes in the potential of every child.

I'm pleased to recognize Senator Sam Brownback. Welcome. I'm glad you're here. And his wife, Mary. Thank you for coming. As well as Congressman Dennis Moore from Kansas, and Stephene. Thank you all for taking time to honor the teachers who are here.
I appreciate the National Teacher of the Year Finalists: Sam Bennett from Adventures. Say hello to the Governor. (Laughter.) Ron Poplau, of Broewn -- no wonder you all are here. And Susan Barnard, of Washington state. We're really glad you're here. Congratulations on setting such a fine example. (Applause.)

Everybody here has been introduced to Kim Oliver, but you haven't met her parents, Vincent and Veronica. Thank you very much. (Applause.) Brothers, cousins and significant other. (Laughter.)

I want to thank all the Teachers of the Year from around our country who are here. I really -- Linda and I really enjoyed having our picture with you. It's just a brief moment to say thanks. But nevertheless, it's thanks from the bottom of our hearts. And it really means a lot you're here.

I thank Dr. Tom Houlihan, who is the executive director of the Council of Chief State School Officers. That's one of the sponsoring organizations. Thank you for your service, Tom.

Margery Mayer, of the Scholastic Education, Scholastic Inc. I want to thank Margery for being here. That's also a sponsoring organization of this event.

Kathleen Murphy is the president of ING is here with us, as well as Tom Waldron, who is the executive vice president. These are the sponsoring groups of this important occasion.

I also want to thank the chief state school officers who are with us. Good to see you all. Nice going. Hiring and promoting good teachers is a really important part of your job. I want you to know that we know that being a teacher is difficult work. It's a hard job. It's a job that requires compassion and determination and extraordinary patience. And, as Linda hinted, or maybe didn't hint, I was probably one of those kind that tested your patience. (Laughter.)

Thank you all very much for coming.

(Applause)

END