By Davis of Harris                                     H.R. No. 125
         77R4871 JKB-D                           
                                 R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, Marilyn Petersen of La Porte has received the Milken
 1-2     Family Foundation National Educator Award, and this significant
 1-3     accomplishment is truly worthy of special recognition; and
 1-4           WHEREAS, A teacher at La Porte Junior High, Ms. Petersen was
 1-5     one of only 10 educators from the State of Texas to be accorded
 1-6     this prestigious honor, which is given to recognize teachers'
 1-7     exemplary leadership abilities, professional growth and
 1-8     achievements, and their commitment to excellence in education; and
 1-9           WHEREAS, Her impressive record of service speaks volumes
1-10     about her devotion to her profession; four years after creating a
1-11     class for students having difficulties with the Texas Assessment of
1-12     Academic Skills (TAAS) test, this remarkable instructor has
1-13     cultivated a group of hardworking students that have earned the
1-14     highest passing rate in math on the TAAS test in the district for a
1-15     secondary campus; her unique teaching style, coupled with her
1-16     individually tailored lessons and hands-on approach to math
1-17     instruction, has drawn the attention and respect of many of her
1-18     colleagues nationwide; and
1-19           WHEREAS, While serving as chair of the school's math
1-20     department, Ms. Petersen has developed and implemented many
1-21     innovative teaching methods that have helped students improve their
1-22     overall scores and comprehension of the material; in addition, she
1-23     serves as a mentor for new and student teachers and as a member of
1-24     the school's Campus Performance Objective Committee and is on the
 2-1     TAAS Cadre to improve test scores; and
 2-2           WHEREAS, This outstanding educator demonstrates her
 2-3     commitment to improving education as an active member of several
 2-4     noteworthy professional associations and by attending regular staff
 2-5     development conferences; Ms. Petersen has also been an orientation
 2-6     facilitator for the Texas Department of Education's Professional
 2-7     Development and Appraisal System and has helped with the MS2 summer
 2-8     program at San Jacinto College; and
 2-9           WHEREAS, The Lone Star State has reaped the benefits of
2-10     Ms. Petersen's immense abilities and experience, and it is most
2-11     appropriate to honor her at this time; now, therefore, be it
2-12           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas
2-13     Legislature hereby congratulate Marilyn Petersen on being named a
2-14     recipient of the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award
2-15     and extend sincere best wishes to her for continued success and
2-16     happiness; and, be it further
2-17           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
2-18     prepared for Ms. Petersen as an expression of high regard by the
2-19     Texas House of Representatives.