This is the first time in the last 45 years that I haven't been in school on the first day of school. Wow! It really has felt very, very different.

But I want to extend my sincere appreciation to all of the teachers, principals, curriculum specialists, and superintendents who have allowed me to share in your opening of the 2007 - 2008 school year. I've traveled thousands of miles in the last few weeks doing workshops, keynotes, and staff development activities in schools and school systems across the country. And today, here in New Jersey, I have concluded all of my pre-planning work for this school year.

I remain convinced that America's educators are a dedicated, hard-working group of people who live a mission. We should all be very proud of and lend our full support to our educators. Here's to a great year of academic achievement!