Finally, Mrs. Bush will encourage others to pursue teaching as a career. "As a former public school teacher and librarian, I have tremendous respect for people who answer the call to teach," she said. "Teaching is challenging, sometimes thankless, but incredibly rewarding. We need many more dedicated Americans to teach our children how to learn so that they may ultimately lead successful lives."

She will encourage America's best and brightest college students, professionals and military retirees to bring their talents and experiences to classrooms across the nation, especially in inner-city schools where the need is greatest.

Specifically, she will promote three innovative efforts already underway to recruit new teachers: Teach For America, The New Teacher Project, and Troops to Teachers.

"We must do more than say that all children can learn," said the First Lady. "We must believe it." Mrs. Bush is proud to join with President Bush in his mission to reform education with her Ready to Read, Ready to Learn Initiative.

After her speech, Mrs. Bush visited with Mrs. Sharon Chen's kindergarten classroom where she read If You Give a Pig a Pancake to the students.

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