And that's why our administration has initiated something called Race to the Top, where my Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, has helped to design a competition among states so that they can foster the kinds of excellence in learning everywhere.

WHITEHOUSE: Your Interview with the President

Currently, as a co-founder of Gather Education, I am once again working with a great team focused on making on-line learning experiences more engaging, more collaborative, and more accessible to teachers and learners everywhere.

WHITEHOUSE: Turn A Problem Into Your Passion

"When it rains it comes in everywhere and sometimes we have to close the classroom and move the students and it does interrupt their learning and it is very, very difficult, " says Ms Raffee.

BBC: School rebuild joy turns to frustration