Under Michelle Rhee’s leadership, the Washington, D.C. public school system—the worst performing school district in the country—became the only major city system to see double-digit growth in state reading and state math scores over three years. The graduation rate rose, and after steep declines enrollment rose for the first time in 40 years. She is founder of The New Teacher Project, partnering with school districts and community agencies to transform the way schools recruit and train highly qualified teachers in difficult-to-staff schools. She currently serves on the advisory boards for the National Council on Teacher Quality and the National Center for Alternative Certification. Radical is a manifesto about the powerful influence of teachers and a plan for creating outstanding public schools.

In conversation with Tracey Matisak