Congressman DeSaulnier Recognized as National Education Leader

Caption: Congressman DeSaulnier receives 2018 Congressional Voice for Children Award from the National PTA (Pictured Left to Right: Congressman DeSaulnier; Celia Jaffe, President-elect, California PTA; Sherry Skelly Griffith, Executive Director; California PTA; Jim Accomando, President, National PTA.

Washington, DC – The National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) honored Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) with the 2018 Congressional Voice for ChildrenAward for outstanding leadership and commitment to improving education and outcomes for students. This bipartisan, bicameral award is given to two Members of Congress each year. Congressman DeSaulnier was the only member of the House of Representatives and only Democrat honored this year. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) is the other recipient. Previous awardees include House Committee on Education and the Workforce Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME).

"Learning does not start and stop in the classroom. When parents, teachers and the entire community work together to ensure all students receive a quality education, we are setting future generations up to succeed and thrive," said Congressman DeSaulnier. "I am honored to receive the Congressional Voice for Children Award from the National PTA for our work on behalf of our nation's schools and students. I look forward to continuing to work with the dedicated members of the PTA in California and around the country to support teachers, improve our schools, and prioritize student success."

"I am so very happy to see that the National PTA has chosen to honor Congressman DeSaulnier for his excellent achievements on behalf of all students. Throughout his decades-long political career, Mark has worked diligently to ensure that each child has the opportunity to reach his or her full potential," said Congressman George Miller, Ret.

"I want to congratulate Rep. DeSaulnier for this award and for his outstanding commitment to public education in California and across the nation," said California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson. "I've been lucky to know and work with Mark for many years, and he is a true champion for our students, their parents and their schools."

Representative DeSaulnier is a member of the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce. He introduced the bipartisan Family Engagement in Education Act in the 114th Congress and was instrumental in ensuring that the Statewide Family Engagement Centers (SFECs) program was included in the Every Student Succeeds Act. In addition to family engagement, Representative DeSaulnier worked in a bipartisan manner to introduce the School Food Modernization Act and is a co-sponsor of the IDEA Full Funding Act and the Rebuild America's Schools Act.

"Representative DeSaulnier is dedicated to improving education and advancing issues impacting the health, well-being and long-term success of our nation's children. He also recognizes the essential role family engagement plays in these efforts," said Jim Accomando, President of National PTA. "We commend him for being a powerful voice for change for children and schools, and we are thrilled to honor him with our 2018 Congressional Voice for Children Award."

Congressional award winners are nominated and selected by the National PTA Legislation Committee and National PTA President. During the 2018 National PTA Legislative Conference, DeSaulnier was presented with the award and a video recorded by students in his district.

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