The idea that computers can ever replace teachers and schools reveals a deep lack of understanding about the role leadership plays in student success.

While I started out with a vague understanding that diversity would be important, my own observations have led me to realize that achieving greater levels of diversity is in fact vital to our long-term success.

We're not trying to be the only route into teaching. We do put enormous energy into understanding what differentiates the most successful teachers.

Technology has enormous potential to address educational needs more efficiently, help teachers improve their performance, and enrich and individualize student learning.

Let us build a 21st-century rural economy of cutting-edge companies and technologies that lead us to energy and food security. Such an investment will revitalize rural America, re-establish our moral leadership on climate security and eliminate our addiction to foreign oil.

I believe there's not a harder job in the world than being a teacher, and there isn't a job with a more direct impact on the performance of our students.

Leaving politics was a good thing. I was spared a miserable Tory government where I might have ended up as leader.

I think effective leaders typically are able to see the future to a certain degree and then try to take actions to shape it in some way.