As I joined the hundreds of young adults streaming into the Teach For America 20th Anniversary Summit at the DC Convention Center, I said to myself, “Tahrir Square has come from Cairo to Washington.”

Inside, several speakers referred to the “Egypt moment” for education reform.

The potential exists for significant reform in the wake of Race to the Top, President Obama’s education initiative, and the collective efforts of TFA and many other local and national groups.

I had a similar feeling last fall, when I saw “Waiting for Superman,” the documentary film about children – and their families, hoping that they could win a lottery to get themselves into a better school.

That was the night that I spoke to Bill Ferguson, newly elected to the State Senator and a TFA alumnus, about forming a coalition for education reform in Maryland.

We have introduced three bills. The most controversial one deals with dismissal of ineffective teachers, as measured by standards being devised in response to the Race to the Top law the legislature passed last year.

My take away from this extraordinary gathering in DC: Aim higher. Don’t settle for incremental change. Our kids can’t afford it.

February 12