Memorials, Professional Achievement - Laura Quering, Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee Educator of the Year Award -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Jake McCalmon

Ceremonially recognizes Laura Quering as the Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee Educator of the Year for her commitment to inclusive, high-quality education.

Signed by Governor.

#memorials #professionalachievement

Overview

Bill number: HJR 681

Title: Memorials, Professional Achievement – Laura Quering, Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee Educator of the Year Award

Type: Joint resolution (ceremonial/memorial)

Status: Signed by the Governor

Sponsor: Rep. McCalmon

Introduced: April 17, 2025

Current version: The bill honors Laura Quering for being named the 2024-2025 Educator of the Year by the Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee (DSAMT). It is a symbolic recognition, with no fiscal or regulatory changes.

Purpose and Intent

To specially recognize and commend Laura Quering, a kindergarten teacher at Trinity Elementary School (Williamson County), for being named the 2024-2025 Educator of the Year by DSAMT.

To celebrate her dedication to high-quality education, inclusion, and support for students with Down syndrome.

To highlight the importance of inclusive education and the role of organizations like DSAMT in promoting best practices for educating students with Down syndrome.

Key Provisions

The resolution formally honors Laura Quering, congratulates her on receiving the DSAMT Educator of the Year Award, and commends her service to Tennessee’s children.

It recognizes her as a dedicated educator who fosters inclusion and strives to help students reach their full potential.

It acknowledges broader context about Down syndrome—prevalence, life expectancy, and the value of inclusive education—and the importance of supportive educational environments.

It directs that an appropriate copy of the resolution be prepared for presentation.

Who/What is Affected

Primary honoree: Laura Quering (teacher at Trinity Elementary School, Williamson County).

Professional community: Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee, educators, families, and students benefiting from inclusive education practices.

Legislative impact: Ceremonial recognition only; no new duties, funding, or policy changes.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Introduction: April 17, 2025

House actions: Introduced, placed on consent calendar; adopted in the House (April 21, 2025)

Senate actions: Concurred and placed on Senate Consent Calendar; transmitted and concurred (April 22–29, 2025)

Enrolled and transmitted to Governor: April 28–29, 2025

Governor’s action: Signed into law on May 2, 2025

Nature of action: Ceremonial memorial resolution recognizing professional achievement

Context and Significance

The resolution reflects a legislative practice of honoring individuals who exemplify public service and excellence in education, with particular emphasis on contributions to students with Down syndrome.

It reinforces themes of inclusive education and partnership with family and community organizations to support students with disabilities.

Bottom Line

HJR 681 is a ceremonial joint resolution recognizing Laura Quering for her achievement as the Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee’s Educator of the Year, celebrating her commitment to inclusive, high-quality education for children in Tennessee. It carries no policy changes or funding implications beyond formal recognition. The bill was introduced in April 2025 and signed by the Governor in May 2025.

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