The Huffington Post – Linda McMahon
“Chris Christie credits his fifth grade teacher for developing his writing skills – and his work ethic – after she gave this straight-A student his first-ever C on a paper. Carly Fiorina remembers the college professor who ignited such an interest in medieval philosophy that she chose the obscure subject as her major. Jeb Bush recalls his feeling of pride and accomplishment when a tough high school Spanish teacher pushed him to work harder than he ever had. And I remember Mrs. Hollister, my fifth grade teacher, who was considered very strict and certainly set a high bar. I worked so hard in her class and had tons of homework. But when she reviewed a student’s work and said, “well done,” there was an amazing warmth in her eyes. I never wanted to disappoint her. Did these teachers see in their students’ eyes a future Governor or CEO, perhaps even a future U.S. President? Was it something they did or said that lit a spark in their young students and inspired the leaders we became? This week I listened to six candidates for President share their perspectives at an Education Summit in Londonderry, New Hampshire. Moderator Campbell Brown, a former White House correspondent and network news anchor, challenged each candidate in individual, 45-minute interviews. Amid tough questions on Common Core, alternative standards, and teacher tenure, it became clear that education policy will be a factor in the 2016 race for the White House.”(more)