The 2013 proposed budget includes a new $5 billion competitive program to work with teachers, unions, colleges of education and others to reform the field of teaching.

The President's 2013 budget request for education includes new community college funding for job training, initiatives to make college more affordable, and support for the teaching profession.

Ten states that have agreed to implement bold reforms around standards and accountability will receive flexibility from the burdensome mandates of the federal education law known as No Child Left Behind (NCLB).

"Teachers matter," said the President. "Instead of bashing them, or defending the status quo, let's offer schools a deal. Give them the resources to keep good teachers on the job, and reward the best ones. In return, grant schools flexibility."