President Obama: We are constantly trying to elevate teaching as a profession

In this video from a town hall meeting sponsored by the Hispanic network Univision, President Barack Obama addresses educational issues,

At one point, the president says he is not in favor of the teaching to the test mentality that our nation's schools have been under since No Child Left Behind was enacted 10 years ago.The discussion on standardized tests begins at about the 45 minute mark.

"We have piled on a lot of standardized tests on our kids. There's nothing wrong with a standardized tests being given occasionally to see where kids are at," Obama says.

"Too often, what we have been doing is using the tests to punish students" or schools, the president added.

"One thing I don't ever want to see is schools that are teaching to the test."

The president adds that the tests are making the schools boring for children which will have a negative impact on learning.

Other issues addressed educational funding in light of the country's participation in three wars, bullying,and affording a college education.

President Obama also praises teachers and says he is working to constantly elevate the status of teachers.

"I think it's very important for us to say to young people who are thinking about a career 'think about teaching.' There's no job that's more important and will give you more satisfaction and give you more impact and influence over your community than teaching. We are constantly trying to elevate teaching as a profession."

It's about time the president's actions matched his words.