Thanks to its dedicated teachers and committed students, Massachusetts leads the nation in student achievement and classroom innovation. Massachusetts has made education its top priority because it's the path to a more fulfilling life, a more rewarding career and a richer society. The author has personally experienced the transformative power of education and has a deep understanding of what a good teacher and a good school can mean to a young person. In this article, the author describes how public education in Massachusetts is being supported through investments in educational innovation. A world-class, accessible system of public higher education is an important component of Massachusetts' growth strategy and its commitment to competing in the global economy. Massachusetts already hosts the brightest graduates and strongest institutions in the country. But best in the world is where it is heading.