Last week, President Barack Obama praised 2014 National Teacher of the Year Sean McComb, along with the state teachers of the year, at the White House. 

"Students know that what teachers give them stays with them for a lifetime," Obama said, according to Education Week. He also noted that great teachers act as counselors and become an inspiration for their students. 

These lines, reported Ross Brenneman, have been reported in this year's State of the Union Address.

Brenneman argues, however, that the Obama Administration has been sending "mixed signals" when it comes to assessment, testing and education.

"While the president may have a view of teaching that involves more than test results, his administration's policies have arguably failed to focus attention beyond that aspect."

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