2014 -- H 7907

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LC005157

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2014

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

HONORING STEVEN F. SMITH ON HIS RETIREMENT AS PRESIDENT OF THE

PROVIDENCE TEACHERS UNION AND FOR MORE THAN THREE DECADES OF

DEDICATION TO STUDENTS IN THE CITY OF PROVIDENCE

     Introduced By: Representatives DeSimone, Carnevale, O'Brien, Lombardi, and Lima

     Date Introduced: March 11, 2014

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, Steven Smith is a graduate of Classical High School and attained his

Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education-History from Rhode Island College. He began his

career in education thirty-three years ago as a teacher in Providence’s public schools; and

     WHEREAS, In 2003, Mr. Smith began focusing his talents, determination, and

knowledge on behalf of educators as President of the Providence Teachers Union, a professional

organization with more than 2000 members; and

     WHEREAS, During his tenure as President, Mr. Smith fought for fairness in teacher's

contracts combined with beneficial advances for students in the classrooms. He was instrumental

in instituting Peer Assistance and Review programs to support newly hired teachers as well as

enhance the abilities of teachers throughout their employment; and

     WHEREAS, In addition, Mr. Smith is credited with forging a stronger partnership and

better relations between the local municipal government and the Teachers Union, as well as

creating the first Labor-Management EMO in the nation; and

     WHEREAS, In addition to leading the Providence Teachers Union and serving in

numerous teaching and educational positions within the city's public schools, Mr. Smith also

served the people of Providence, in the Silver Lake neighborhood, at the Rhode Island State

House as a Representative from January of 1989 until December of 2008; and

     WHEREAS, After more than three decades in the schools, and eleven years as President

of the Union, Mr. Smith retired in February of 2014, but the accomplishments and strides he has

made for students, as well as educational professionals in this state, will be felt for many

generations to come; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby honors and commends Steven F. Smith for eleven years of service

as President of the Providence Teachers Union. We thank him for all his efforts, and wish him

good health, fulfillment, and much success in all his future endeavors; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Steven F. Smith.

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LC005157

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