National and state-level policies recognize the critical role that talented teachers play in ensuring that all students learn and in building capacity for instructional excellence in schools. Teachers influence student learning more than any other factor in the school, and the dividends of effective teaching are cumulative (see "Defining the…

The negative consequences of the current economic recession are vast, both for the education field and for all sectors of society. Yet one benefit has emerged from these recent tough economic times: Teaching is becoming a more attractive career choice. Although states and local policymakers should "always" work proactively to attract effective…