Linked statement

“I am honoring the life of Barbara Matteson. She was a longtime public school teacher and union organizer in Tucson who spent her life fighting for students, teachers, and schools.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Barbara Matteson of Tucson, Arizona. I can’t think of a major education event, rally, or protest in Tucson where I didn’t see Barbara front and center. A lifelong educator, the first in her family to go to college, Barbara spent over 38 years as a classroom teacher in the Tucson Unified School Direct. As mentioned in her obituary, her ability to make learning fun and meaningful left a lasting impact. Being out and about in Tucson with Barbara inevitably meant being stopped by a former student who would share their stories of how she influenced their lives. As a union organizer and fierce advocate for public education, Barbara dedicated herself to fighting for our students, our teachers, and our schools. She showed up, She spoke up, and she never stopped standing up for what she believed was right. Barbara was not only a champion for education, she was a friend and someone who made our community stronger through her service and her commitment. To Barbara, I thank her for always fighting for our students, teachers, and schools. To Barbara’s family, I thank them for sharing her with us. Mr. Speaker, may my friend rest in peace. I will always remember her.”