Teachers are the most important school resource. In every country, teachers' salaries and training represent the greatest share of expenditure on education; and this investment in teachers can have significant returns. Research shows that being taught by the best teachers can make a real difference in the learning and life outcomes of otherwise…

Describes and contrasts aspects of child care systems in France and the United States to stimulate discussion of child care standards. French child care is characterized by highly trained and reasonably compensated teachers who work in classrooms with class sizes and child-adult ratios considered excessive by U.S. standards. (HTH)