H.R. No. 1020



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Bernadine M. Jones has been named the 2003 Special 
Education Teacher of the Year for the Houston Independent School 
District Central District as well as Lamar High School's 2003 
Special Education Teacher of the Year; and
	WHEREAS, Ms. Jones earned a bachelor of business 
administration degree and a master's degree in counseling and 
guidance from Texas Southern University and her doctorate in law 
from TSU's Thurgood Marshall School of Law; she is a member of the 
State Bar of Texas; and
	WHEREAS, Embarking on her classroom career in 1999, initially 
in the role of a substitute teacher, Ms. Jones attained her teaching 
certification through HISD's alternative certification program, 
and today she is deeply committed to her students and to making a 
difference in the classroom; this outstanding teacher does whatever 
is required to inspire the best from each young man and young woman 
in her classroom, and her effective teaching style employs generous 
amounts of respect, praise, compassion, humor, and love; and
	WHEREAS, In addition to her classroom responsibilities, Ms. 
Jones further contributes her valuable skills to the district's 
ASPIRE Reading Program and the Best Buddies Program at Lamar High 
School, which pairs students with disabilities with their 
nondisabled counterparts; moreover, she works with seniors in the 
special education department to help ensure their participation in 
senior class activities through coordination with the school's 
student assistance program; and
	WHEREAS, Formerly active with the Boy Scouts of America, 
which trained her as a scout leader, she conducted merit badge 
classes in law, served as troop treasurer, and attained the Wood 
Badge rank; and
	WHEREAS, Bernadine Jones's outstanding leadership and 
untiring devotion to the youth of her community have truly enhanced 
the lives of her neighbors and fellow citizens, and she is most 
deserving of special recognition on the occasion of her recent 
honors; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby commend Bernadine M. Jones on being named the 
2003 Special Education Teacher of the Year for the Houston 
Independent School District Central District and the 2003 Special 
Education Teacher of the Year for Lamar High School, and extend to 
her warmest best wishes for the future; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Ms. Jones as an expression of high regard by the Texas 
House of Representatives.

                                                                            Wong

                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 1020 was adopted by the House on May 
6, 2003, by a non-record vote.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House