Dream Teachers, a private, nonprofit 501(c)3 organization is supported by an association of business and community leaders across Louisiana and is organized to inspire excellence in education, enhance learning outcomes, and recognize and reward Louisiana’s most-effective educators and school leaders. Many factors contribute to a student’s academic performance, including individual characteristics and family and neighborhood experiences. But research shows that, among school-related factors, Teachers and School Leaders Matter Most in Students’ Academic Performance! Although curricula, reduced class size, district funding, family and community involvement all contribute to school improvement and student achievement, next to Parents, Teachers have the Greatest Impact on a Student’s Long-term Academic Success. With a Great Teacher, all students – from high achieving to below grade level – make significant progress. And data reveals that a student who has an Outstanding Teacher for just one year will remain ahead of her peers for at least the next few years. The research just confirms what most of us have experienced personally – A Great Teacher has a Lasting, Positive Impact on One’s Life! That’s why Dream Teachers recognizes and rewards Louisiana’s Most-Effective Educators and School Leaders.