New Haven Schools to Receive $12 Million Grant for Teachers

DeLauro JoinsWith Local Officials at John S. Martinez School

NEWHAVEN, CT—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) joined with Mayor John DeStefanoand other local officials today to celebrate a $12 million grant for New Havenschools from the Department of Education's Teacher's Incentive Fund. Thegrant will be used for teacher development, evaluation and leadership programs.Below are her remarks as prepared for delivery:

Thankyou, Mister Mayor, and good afternoon everyone. It is great to be here.

First,let me thank Mayor DeStefano for inviting me to join you today. And thank youalso to David Cicarella for being here as well. It is always good to see youboth.

Also,thank you to Principal Sequella Coleman and everyone here at the John Martinezschool for hosting us.

Johnwas not just New Haven's first Latino state representative. He was a dearfriend of mine, and I am always heartened to see that his good works and legacycontinue here at the school.

Anda big thank you to Secretary Duncan and the Department of Education forrecognizing our school system with this $12 million grant through the Teacher'sIncentive Fund.

Thisis a big deal! Consider that all of New York City only received $13 million.

Thisfunding will help to implement teacher development, evaluation and leadershipprograms throughout New Haven.

Thisgrant is a testament to the hard work and commitment that the Mayor,Superintendent Mayo, and David and our teachers have shown in workingcollaboratively to improve our schools.

Thenew and innovative measures teacher evaluation system they came up withtogether, as part of the last contract negotiations, is being referencednationwide as the "New Haven Model."

Herein New Haven, our schools and teachers have led the way in demonstrating to theentire nation that strong teachers' unions, strong schools, and strongeducation reforms are all of a piece.

Wehave shown that we value our teachers, as the frontlines and most crucialcomponent of our education system.

Thatwe honor their hard work, and stand by the policies that help them do what theydo best.

Withthese additional resources, we can continue to work together to recognize anddevelop excellence in teaching, and to support the teachers who have andcontinue to make a difference.

Wecan continue to serve as a model for school districts across the country, andcontinue to see that all of our New Haven kids get the exemplary education theydeserve.

Thisfunding is a reflection of the hard work and cooperation educators andadministrators have shown in New Haven, and I want to thank you all for helpingto make it happen.

Thankyou.