The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING 2021 CALIFORNIA TEACHER OF THE YEAR JIM KLIPFEL
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HON. MIKE GARCIA
of california
in the house of representatives
Monday, November 1, 2021
Mr. GARCIA of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and honor California's 2021 Representative for Teacher of the Year, Mr. Jim Klipfel. A U.S. History teacher and Athletics coach from my alma mater of Saugus High School, Mr. Klipfel is the embodiment of academic passion, humility, and service to others. While his family, friends, and students would be the first to say that Mr. Klipfel is not one to embrace the spotlight, there is not a shadow of a doubt as to whether he truly deserves the honorific title of ``Teacher of the Year''.
At Saugus High School, Mr. Klipfel has served as an athletic and academic mentor to generations of students, going above and beyond what is normally expected of an educator to impart the leaders of tomorrow with invaluable lessons and qualities to help them succeed and make the world a better place. He has always challenged students to think for themselves, reject the status quo, and ``pull back the curtain'' to expose the faults of existing systems in the hopes of improving them. He has poured his heart and soul into his profession and the success of those whose education he has been entrusted with. It is not a responsibility that he takes lightly. His friends, colleagues, and most of all his students bear witness every day to how much Mr. Klipfel gives of himself to ensure the success of his students. He does so with unbridled intelligence, kindness, and above all else, passion.
Recognizing the unique challenges that American high schoolers face today, Mr. Klipfel has prioritized students' well-being and mental health while also pushing them to go beyond their comfort zone and realize their full potential. He achieves this by putting in the work to make himself available to any student who needs help and by walking them through mistakes in order to learn from them. He routinely holds after-hours study sessions to help students better prepare for tests, and never shies from lending a helping hand to those who may be in difficult situations outside the classroom. He always strives to teach his students lessons that will help them beyond academics, such as the value of charity, making the best out of difficult situations, and the importance of civic engagement.
In the face of numerous challenges over the past two years, Mr. Klipfel has proven to be a resilient figure in the CA-25 community. After a school shooting in November of 2019, he helped his school rebuild and become stronger in the aftermath of tragedy. As the world transitioned to online learning and Zoom classes, Mr. Klipfel worked to keep students engaged and active in the classroom to ensure their continued academic success despite the odds facing them.
I am proud that such an exemplary teacher was selected to represent California's 25th District and California at large on the national stage and honored for his service and accomplishments. Mr. Klipfel no doubt represents the best of what teachers can be, and the promise of the future when we invest ourselves into helping young people realize their full potential inside and outside of the classroom. California's 25th district, our state, and our country are grateful for all Mr. Klipfel has given our community as he continues to inspire and educate the leaders of tomorrow.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 191
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
House Representatives' salaries are historically higher than the median US income.
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