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There's no question that a great teacher can make a huge difference in a student's achievement, and we need to recruit, train and reward more such teachers. But here's what some new studies are also showing: We need better parents. Parents more focused on their children's education can also make a huge difference in a student's achievement.

The best schools tend to have the best teachers, not to mention parents who supervise homework, so there is less need for self-organised learning. But where a child comes from a less supportive home environment, where there are family tensions perhaps, their schoolwork can suffer. They need to be taught to think and study for themselves.

As a former teacher and a mother and grandmother, I know firsthand the importance of a quality education.

Make no mistake about it: Next to parents and families, our teachers are the most important influence in our children's lives.

Money buys the most experienced teachers, less-crowded classrooms, high-quality teaching materials, and after-school programs.

The important thing is not so much that every child should be taught, as that every child should be given the wish to learn.

Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is the most important.

Teacher compensation isn't the only factor in cultivating great teaching. Other important priorities include changing how we measure student performance, providing more flexibility to teacher-preparation programs, and improving how we train and support principals.

As the daughter of a schoolteacher, I feel very strongly that the most important thing in school takes place right there in that classroom, and the interaction between the teacher and the child.