And while the report does stress the importance of teacher education, I think a stronger point is made for higher initial salaries for teachers entering the field.

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Ms. SAMMY RUICH (Preschool Teacher): I think it's the economy.

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Secondly, I do think we significantly under-invest in teacher development that matters and paying teachers for leadership work.

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As a math teacher, I want to know what you think it means to be an educated person.

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"I think the computer makes you more creative, " said writing teacher Linda Denstaedt.

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Mr. SAUL COHEN (Teacher, Northwestern High School): I don't think that you can expect any staff to change what's been going on for 15 years in these kids' lives.

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Obviously a big chunk of jobs that did result in unemployment last year -- the biggest chunk was teachers, which, regardless of what category you put that in, I think there are very few parents in this country that don't value a good teacher.

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One reason I write about education and take such a very pro-education, pro-teacher, pro-public spending position at a website like Forbes is that I think a strong education system is absolutely necessary for business.

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And I think they would both be tremendously proud of their daughter -- a great lawyer, a great teacher, and a devoted public servant who I am confident will make an outstanding Supreme Court justice.

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Ms. SANDRA HERRERA(ph) (Teacher, Northwestern High School): There are good things and bad things, but I think overall for me, the good things outweigh anything else.

NPR: Teachers at Troubled School Face Job Loss