On being: Arrogance is not the prerogative of the gifted.

Teaching is an emotional practice: it activates, colors & expresses people's feelings.

Educational reforms are like ripe fruit. They rarely travel well.

Human growth is not like rhubarb. It can be nurtured and encouraged but it cannot be forced.

Don't raise the bar and narrow the gap, but narrow the gap to raise the bar.

On teacher education: induction into current mandates must not turn into seduction away from best practice.

The economists who have put the spotlight on teacher quality are the ones who most misunderstand it.