By Kitchen                                           H.C.R. No. 183
         77R8226 GMW-D                           
                             HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
 1-1           WHEREAS, March 5-9, 2001, marks Texas Public Schools Week,
 1-2     and this auspicious occasion provides a perfect opportunity to
 1-3     recognize the Texas educators who have attained certification from
 1-4     the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; and
 1-5           WHEREAS, To become certified, teachers must complete the
 1-6     board's extremely rigorous requirements and demonstrate a high
 1-7     degree of professional excellence; the process, which is completely
 1-8     voluntary, requires immense dedication to expeditiously finish an
 1-9     exacting skills and pedagogy assessment program; and
1-10           WHEREAS, Teachers who have achieved certification have had a
1-11     measurable impact on the scholastic performance of students
1-12     throughout our state and nation; school districts across Texas have
1-13     grown to appreciate the benefits of encouraging teachers to strive
1-14     for certification, a fact that is evidenced by Texas boasting a
1-15     host of certified teachers, including 36 who have garnered
1-16     certification as master teachers; and
1-17           WHEREAS, Educating the youth of Texas is an undertaking of
1-18     paramount importance, and it is truly appropriate to recognize all
1-19     the National Board Certified Teachers and the school districts that
1-20     have developed certification programs for their contributions to
1-21     this significant endeavor; now, therefore, be it
1-22           RESOLVED, That the 77th Legislature of the State of Texas
1-23     hereby commend all the National Board Certified Teachers and school
1-24     districts that support the National Board for Professional Teaching
 2-1     Standards program for their commitment to excellence in education.