Press Releases

BOTHELL – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today visited classrooms in Washington’s First District to see what local students and teachers are working on during American Education Week.

“Expanding opportunity for the next generation starts by ensuring every child has access to a great education and world-class teachers. That’s why I’m so pleased we have teachers like Brigitte Tennis and Missy Maxson in classrooms throughout the First District, where our educators are doing incredible work for our kids,” DelBene said. “Congress can and must do more to support these efforts and ensure that federal policies are working for Washington’s students, educators and school districts.”

In Redmond’s Stella Schola Middle School, DelBene co-taught Brigitte Tennis’ 8th grade class. Tennis was inducted into the National Teacher's Hall of Fame earlier this year.

“Having legislators in the classroom to co-teach with me is a wonderful experience for the legislator and for the students. The students feel important because an influential adult cares about their learning enough to come to the classroom and participate in their learning. Students have even told me that their interest in public affairs is peaked and that they are already thinking about the voting process when they are 18 because they can see their voices matter,” Tennis said. “I commend Congresswoman DelBene for stepping out of her comfort zone to co-teach with me so she can make informed decisions about educational issues because she has been in a real classroom with real students!”

DelBene also visited Frank Wagner Elementary in Monroe. Missy Maxson’s students displayed their research projects for Museum Day.

“I’ve always wanted to invite a representative to my classroom. I think it’s important for our representatives to not only hear about what’s happening in our schools but to also see what’s happening,” said Maxson, a National Board Certified teacher. “My students and I were thrilled the Congresswoman was able to come on Museum Day so they could share their learning.”

Lawmakers have reached a compromise between House- and Senate-passed bills to reauthorize No Child Left Behind (NCLB) – also called the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) – and hope to vote on final legislation by the end of the year.

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