Messages from Congresswoman Hayes

Dear Friend,

When I was travelling across the world and speaking with policy makers as 2016 National Teacher of the Year, there was one thing I always noticed: in the meetings where decisions were being made about the classroom, there were rarely teachers at the table. 

That didn't stop when I got to Congress. When I sit on the Education and Labor Committee, there are few career educators among this group. 

Last week, I decided to change that. I was tremendously proud to welcome the 2019 State, U.S. Territory, and Department of Defense Education Activity Teachers of the Year. I took a point of personal pride in welcoming the 2019 National Teacher of the Year, Rodney Robinson. They convened on our nation's capital to share their ideas, concerns, expertise and to brainstorm opportunities for collaboration.

For the first time, the Education and Labor Committee hearing room - the room where it happens - was taken over by educators.  

As these teachers embark on their year of service, I reminded them of the lesson I learned as the 2016 National Teacher of the Year. Use this moment - this platform - to share the stories of tour students and the teaching profession. Through the Teacher of the Year program, they will multiply their gifts across communities around the country.

I extend my deepest congratulations to all these excellent educators, and particularly congratulate Sheena Graham, the 2019 Connecticut Teacher of the Year. Sheena, and every teacher in that room, shifts our attention to the excellence that occurs in classrooms across the country and the possibility of what can happen when we work together. 

I hope this makes you smile as much as it made me smile. Please continue to reach out to me with your thoughts, concerns, and priorities with me. To keep up with my work in Congress, sign up for my updates here.