I don’t believe any of us have true success in solitude.

Anna Heyer, science coordinator, Flowing Wells Unified School District

I want all teachers, including teachers of color, to be authentically themselves in the classroom.

Baron Davis, superintendent, Richland School District Two

Teachers are professionals, and they’re experts in their content and their grade level. They’re going to be the ones to tell us if it works or not.

Danielle Kelsick, chief academic officer, Environmental Charter Schools

We always say that parents are partners, not the problem. We get more done and we get more right when we are working in partnership with our parents.

Sharlonda Buckman, assistant superintendent of family and community engagement, Detroit Community Schools

If I can advocate for a school system and I can advocate for opportunities and exposure for our kids to make it better, I feel compelled to do it.

Valerie Bridges, superintendent, Edgecombe County Public Schools

Part of my passion for what I do now is, people need to know that this exists. But I also know we need to handle it delicately because you don't want people to feel bad.

Amy Perusse, coordinator of the homeless Kids in Transition program, Everett, Wash.

All of our kids are capable. We’re planting the seed that college is a possibility, and that life can be better.

Quincy Natay, Superintendent, Chinle Unified School District

I tell everybody, we have the technology infrastructure of a Fortune 500 company, even though we are very small in comparison.

Doug Vander Linden, director of educational technology, Burlington Unified School District 244

[The PD course] is a desired activity versus a required activity. That has to be the sweetest piece of the system.

Jason Hodgson, director of professional development, Panama-Buena Vista Union School District

We don’t make decisions for them. We make decisions with them.

Carissa Purnell, director of family resource centers, Alisal Union School District