Obama highlights push for better skilled teachers

WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama is highlighting a new administration effort to place quality teachers in schools that need them the most.

He says it's unfortunate that the U.S. education system has "a problem" in which students who need skilled teachers the most are least likely to get them.

Obama credits good teachers with helping his career. He says he wants to make sure every child has similar access to excellent teachers.

Under the initiative announced Monday, the Education Department will ask states to develop plans to make sure very student has an effective teacher. It's also investing $4.2 million to help states and districts create the plans and put them into place.

Obama commented before having lunch at the White House with Education Secretary Arne Duncan and four teachers.