This is a time for very bold thinking in this country for our school districts, our States, and this country to re-imagine the teaching profession as a 21st century profession because, otherwise, I think all this other stuff is just talk.

There is not a harder job in the country than being a teacher in an urban or rural school district with children that are living in poverty.

The persistent pay gap between male and female workers is unacceptable.

I am a cosponsor of the Paycheck Fairness Act because I believe we need to do more to address gender wage disparity.

These disparities will slow the ability of the economy to recover.

Correcting these wage disparities is even more important as women have taken a greater role in our economy.

We as a country are going to rue the day unless we think about the children that are living in poverty.

I agree with Senator Dodd. Parents are first, but if parents are first, teachers and school leaders are second.

I think there is enormous reform fatigue that goes on in these school districts.

I cannot tell you how much I look forward to working with you on this.

I do not think anybody in the Senate would accept those odds for any of our kids or grandkids.