What is the best way to gauge a teacher's effectiveness?

At O.L. Smith Middle School in Dearborn, teacher Patty Faletti helps Eric Zielinski, 13, find information for a class project last month. The state says emphasizing classroom effectiveness helps ensure students can meet higher state standards set for them.

Michigan officials are looking to revamp requirements for licensing teachers and are considering tying teachers' effectiveness to their ability to get and keep a teaching license. June Teisan, a National Board Certified Teacher and a former Michigan Teacher of the Year, says she supports a system that assesses teachers based on several factors. "To be a good teacher, you have to have heart for the kids, integrity to push for excellence and a lot of creativity. And it takes stamina like you wouldn't believe," Teisan said. Detroit Free Press