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The innovation and creativity that's so manifest in the rest of society needs to be turned on our school systems.

We need innovation in education and dedication to the task before us.

Now, we believe that the majority of teachers in America know our system must be reformed, to put students first so that America can compete, that teachers don't teach to become rich or famous. They teach because they love children.

If we could reach the point where many of our nation's future leaders know what teachers know after teaching successfully in our highest-need schools, we would have a very different situation.

Teachers make a difference, and we would serve our students better by focusing on attracting and retaining the quality teachers by raising teacher pay.

Teachers are always trying to inspire people to do better, to learn, to grow. That's what we do, and we're proud of the success we've had here doing that, and it's something we'll certainly continue to do.

Schools can do extraordinary things given the chance; teachers can do remarkable things if we eliminate the paperwork that sometimes binds them and give them a chance to really teach in our schools.

I am confident that the vast majority of teachers will work with us towards achieving that goal.

Teachers need to be more inspirational. But it's also up to engineering to make itself more interesting.

To get enough of the teachers we need, teaching has to be a great job where talented people are supported and rewarded.