But more important than paychecks, a great teacher instills in his students character and a passion for self-instruction.

CNN: A history teacher's brilliant idea

Recognizing that the world is crowded with the rhythmically challenged, he recently produced a self-instruction video featuring onetime Lawrence Welk Show stars Bobby Burgess and Elaine Balden.

FORBES: Net Losses

Recognizing that the world is crowded with the rhythmically challenged, he recently produced a self-instruction video featuring Bobby Burgess and Elaine Balden, stars of a former TV variety show.

FORBES: Net losses

Our national search for solutions led us to the innovative Khan Academy, a self-paced, online program that allows for individualized math instruction.

FORBES: An In-Depth Interview with Vinny Dotoli of the Harlem Academy