Secretary Rod Paige has said, "We can give students as many computers and cafeterias and curriculum administrators as we want, but none of that will make any difference without the one thing that makes a classroom work--a dedicated and well-trained teacher." He's right! Education has been so important to me. Growing up in Houston, Texas, I had great teachers who cared and reached out to me. I am where I am today because of the knowledge, direction, and understanding they gave me.

The teacher who had the biggest impact on me was my 6th grade teacher at Bastian Elementary School in Houston, Texas. He was my first male teacher, and he became another positive male role model in my life. He was so encouraging to all of us. I think that's what meant the most to me. He made me believe that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to.

In 1993, I created the Darrell Green Youth Life Learning Center to give all students, regardless of race or family income, an opportunity to participate in a program that enhances their academic development. We have quality instructors who monitor the students' schoolwork, often tutoring one-on-one to supplement what a child is learning in school. The exposure to quality instructors has had an overwhelming impact on our students. Many have become academic scholars, confident public speakers, and well-rounded young people rising to face life's challenges.

A great teacher is like a great coach. A great coach takes you from just playing the game to playing your absolute best, while a great teacher takes you beyond the classroom and prepares you for lifelong learning and future success.

Secretary Paige recently named 172 public and private secondary schools as Blue Ribbon Schools. This is the 19th year of the program, which honors excellence in leadership, teaching, curriculum, student achievement and parental involvement. "In education, like every other enterprise, we must aspire to highlight and reward our successes," Paige said. "These schools strive everyday to be their very best, and exemplify what American education can look like when we work as a team to create the best teaching and learning environments for our students."

For more information about this award and the list of this year's winners, please visit: http://www.ed.gov/PressReleases/05-2002/05242002.html

Secretary Paige continued his Tour Across America late last month with visits to Pittsburgh, PA, and Albany, NY. The purpose of the tour is to make sure that parents and community leaders all across the country are informed about No Child Left Behind and the difference it will make for their children. The Secretary will make many more stops throughout the summer, so look for him in a city near you. He has also attended events in Albuquerque, NM; Atlanta, GA; Washington, DC; Las Vegas, NV; Southfield, MI; Milwaukee and LaCrosse, WI.