<BillNo> <Sponsor>
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 681
By McCalmon
HJR0681
007817
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A RESOLUTION to honor Laura Quering on being named the
2024-2025 Educator of the Year by the Down
Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee.
WHEREAS, it is fitting that the members of this General Assembly should specially
recognize those outstanding teachers who have devoted their careers to providing the highest-
quality education for Tennessee's students; and
WHEREAS, one such estimable educator is Laura Quering, who has distinguished
herself as a professional of the greatest dedication, ability, and integrity; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Quering was recently named the 2024-2025 Educator of the Year by
the Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee, a most befitting honor that recognizes
her excellence in supporting and educating students with Down syndrome; and
WHEREAS, the Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee launched its
Educator of the Year Award program to honor the work of an educator who has demonstrated a
commitment to the educations of students with Down syndrome; and
WHEREAS, a kindergarten teacher at Trinity Elementary School in Williamson County,
Laura Quering is a highly regarded educator who works assiduously to motivate her students to
reach their full potential, both as scholars and as citizens; and
WHEREAS, a true blessing to her students, Ms. Quering is patient and understanding,
working diligently to ensure that each of her students is fully included in all aspects of the Trinity
Elementary School community; and
WHEREAS, one in 700, or around 6,000, babies are born with Down syndrome in the
United States every year, and each person with Down syndrome is an important member of
society; and
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WHEREAS, the life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased
dramatically, from twenty-five years of age in 1983 to sixty years of age in 2023; and
WHEREAS, people with Down Syndrome attend school and work, participate in
decisions that affect their livelihood, have meaningful relationships, vote, and contribute to
society in many ways; and
WHEREAS, research has shown that employees with disabilities, including Down
syndrome, are loyal, dedicated, and productive workers; and
WHEREAS, research has also shown that people with Down syndrome can learn to read
and to otherwise excel in the educational setting; and
WHEREAS, rigorous and quality education of students with Down syndrome is essential
to their ability to live meaningful, productive lives; and
WHEREAS, inclusive education, which is mandated by federal and state laws, is an
integral component of educating students with Down syndrome; and
WHEREAS, the Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee works with families,
educators, and school systems to promote and ensure best practices for the education of
students with Down syndrome in an effort to support them in becoming full members of our
society; and
WHEREAS, Laura Quering serves as an inspiration to her colleagues and students
alike, and her friendship and counsel are highly valued by those who are fortunate to know her;
and
WHEREAS, Ms. Quering truly epitomizes the dedicated teacher who is wholly committed
to the highest ideals of public service and quality education for all, and she should be specially
recognized; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF T HE ONE HUNDRED
FOURTEENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE SENATE
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CONCURRING, that we hereby honor and congratulate Laura Quering on her selection as the
2024-2025 Educator of the Year by the Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee,
commend her exceptional service to the children of Tennessee, salute her professional
expertise and personal excellence, and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that an appropriate copy of this resolution be prepared
for presentation with this final clause omitted from such copy and upon proper request made to
the appropriate clerk, the language appearing immediately following the State seal appear
without House or Senate designation.