First-grade teacher Erin Lenz, Idaho's Teacher of the Year, believes a focus on improving students' early reading skills is the key to a better education system. "It is imperative that we look at cost-effective means to make sure students are reading at grade level before they leave the primary grades," said Lenz at a recent state Senate Education Committee hearing. "All schools need kindergarten and first-grade teachers who are experienced and effective in teaching reading," she added.