There is an interesting contrast to be found between President Barack Obama and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan: Whereas Obama regularly refers to the current economic situation as the "Great Recession," Duncan instead labels it as "The New Normal." Only one of these can be correct--and the implications for educators are profound. The author believes that Secretary Duncan is correct: We have entered a new economic reality in this country, one that will require successful educators to think and work differently than they have in the past. This article looks at the factors creating this new normal and outlines an appropriate response from schools. (Contains 10 endnotes.)