He has gotten to know the janitors, security officers, teachers and support staff, as well.

Next thing you know teachers will be assigning books that are thought-provoking.

"I know teachers who haven't received their salary for five or six months," he said.

Ms. Cooney knows teachers who steal items from school systems.

I know teachers who spend countless personal dollars to stock their own classrooms.

I do know teachers who have seen and nurtured a spark in a child everyone else has given up on.

I know teachers whose insight and courage have turned a family around.

Ms. Cooney knows teachers whose major reading is the school film catalogue.

And every parent already knows the key, good teachers and small classes.

Also, it helps to know other teachers in the system who can give references for you.