Former First Lady Michelle Obama reflects on the importance of great teachers.

“We all remember the impact a special teacher had on us—a teacher who refused to let us fall through the cracks: who pushed us and believed in us when we doubted ourselves; who sparked in us a lifelong curiosity and passion for learning. Decades later, we remember the way they made us feel and the things they inspired us to do—how they challenged us and changed our lives. So it’s not surprising that studies show us that the single most important factor affecting students’ achievement is the caliber of teachers,” expressed former First Lady Michelle Obama.

“When we think about the outstanding qualities that make an outstanding teacher—boundless energy and endless patience; vision and a sense of purpose; the creativity to help us see the world in a different way; commitment to helping us discover and fulfill our potential—we realize: These are also the qualities of a great leader,” she said.