Award-winning educators and schools—and what it takes to achieve that level of excellence—are featured in the April edition of the U.S. Department of Education's monthly television show, "Education News Parents Can Use."

The program is available live from 8 to 9 p.m. EDT Tuesday on the Dish Network, certain PBS stations and numerous cable outlets. Others will broadcast the show on a tape-delayed basis. A complete listing of viewing options is available at http://www.ed.gov/news/av/video/edtv/index.html. In addition, the program will be webcast live and archived at www.connectlive.com/events/ednews/.

Tuesday's program, "Inspiring Excellence: Great Teachers, Great Principals," will showcase award-winning educators and schools; explore how effective teaching is at the core of America's long-term economic competitiveness; highlight alternative strategies to recruit, train, and reward effective teachers and principals; and reveal how programs and initiatives under No Child Left Behind are strengthening our nation's teachers, schools, and students.

Assistant Secretary Johnson will discuss the connection between effective teaching and student achievement. The show will also include the following segments, guests and video profiles:

Innovative pathways for teacher excellence and Student Success

• Kathy Kelly, IBM "Transition-to-Teaching" participant.
• Brad Jupp, Teacher-Coordinator of ProComp and senior academic policy advisor, Superintendent's Office, Denver Public Schools.
• Daniel Leija, fourth-grade teacher, Gregorio Esparza Elementary School, San Antonio, and 2005 America's Star of Teaching.
• Tyler Berzina, physics teacher, Millard West High School, Omaha, Neb., and 2005 America's Star of Teaching.
• A profile of IBM's "Transition to Teaching" pilot program that addresses the critical shortage of math and science teachers by leveraging the brains and backgrounds of some of its most experienced employees.

Innovations in Leadership: Supporting Effective Instruction and Teacher Excellence

• Mel Riddile, principal, Jeb Stuart High School, Falls Church, Va., and 2006 National High School Principal of the Year.
• Sharon Byrdsong, principal, Azalea Gardens Middle School, Norfolk, Va., and 2006 National Middle School Principal of the Year.
• A profile of Boston Public School's School Leadership Institute—a district-based effort that prepares, supports, and retains principals who possess the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to lead reform efforts.

Teachers, Principals and Student Achievement: What Do Parents Need to Know and Ask?

• Assistant Secretary Johnson.
• Chauncey Veatch, (via satellite), teacher-leader, Coachella Valley Schools, Thermal, Calif., and 2002 National Teacher of the Year.
• Jane Zucker, project director, EPIC (Every Person Influences Children), Buffalo, N.Y.

The "Education News Parents Can Use" TV series airs monthly during the school year.