On July 19, the House approved, by voice vote, a resolution (H. Res. 714) honoring Sandra Feldman for her decades of work on behalf of disadvantaged children and her outstanding contribution and leadership in improving the quality of teaching and learning. Rep. George Miller (D-CA) sponsored the resolution.
According to the resolution, Sandra Feldman “began her advocacy effort on behalf of children and other disadvantaged individuals during the 1960’s civil rights movement.” The resolution notes that Ms. Feldman was elected president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) in 1997 and was the first female president of the organization since 1930. Finally, the resolution states that the Ladies Home Journal selected Ms. Feldman as one of the “100 Most Influential Women in America.”
Rep. Mike Castle (R-DE) said that Sandra Feldman “is widely recognized as an authority on urban education and an advocate for children and has long been willing to examine innovative approaches in efforts to raise student achievement. Her long-standing commitment to social justice dates back to her involvement with the early civil rights movement, both locally and nationally, when she was arrested during the Freedom Rides and other protests in the 1960s. U.S. Presidents, Governors, and mayors have appointed her to numerous commissions and task forces, tackling educational, economics, child welfare, and other social issues.”
Del. Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam) stated, “While holding the presidency of the AFT, Ms. Feldman has helped to improve the conditions under which our teachers work, but she has also been a tireless advocate for improved teaching and learning. Successful teaching includes better pay and benefits. But Ms. Feldman also recognized that we have to ensure our teachers have the skills and the professional development to do their jobs well. Her focus on quality has allowed many school systems to redouble their efforts to improve academic achievement.”
