Congratulating Mr. Eric Hale for Being the 2021 Texas Teacher of the Year

Floor Speech

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Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Eric Hale for becoming the first African American man bestowed with the honor of Texas Teacher of the Year in the 51 years of this award's existence.

Last month, the Texas Association of School Administrators announced that Mr. Hale had been named the 2021 Texas Teacher of the Year for his outstanding leadership and excellence in teaching kindergarten and first-grade students at David G. Burnet Elementary School.

Mr. Hale understands the challenges some of his students' face daily, from hunger, poverty, or domestic violence. He has experienced some of this in his own life growing up. He has successfully countered this negative energy thanks to his unique teaching style that is like no other. He uses music in an innovative way to engage with his students while flooding them with positivity and encouragement so that the students are able to step away from their worries for a moment and learn in a fun environment. This positivity and energy in the classroom is exactly what is needed for our students as they, just like the rest of us, navigate through this challenging time.

Mr. Hale has been recognized for his work previously as the winner of the 2019 Urban Teacher of the Year award among others. He has also had the opportunity to appear on multiple televisions shows including the Kelly Clarkson show and TODAY.

Madam Speaker, I am so thankful that the Dallas Independent School District is home to one of the very best teachers in the country. I wish Mr. Hale the best of luck as he competes with other teachers around the country to receive the prestigious National Teacher of the Year award.

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