Summer is a great time for students to make a splash into activities that create family memories lasting a lifetime. Collecting seashells at the beach, spying a bear on a hike in the mountains, or riding a thrilling roller coaster may be part of the plan for kids, but for teachers, this time off is often spent thinking and planning for the next school year.

It is during these seemingly endless summer days that quality educators sift through the myriad of ways they can do a better job of making a positive and lasting impact on their students. And for those who don’t, there is hope.

Dr. Kevin Leman and Kristin Leman O'Reilly believe that becoming a tremendous educator is easier than you think. They contend that by following a few simple steps, you can inspire and energize your classroom for a lifetime of success.

In Be a Great Teacher by Friday: 5 Winning Ways to Spark World-Changing Potential, Dr. Leman and O'Reilly offer wisdom fueled guidance on how to best refine education basics and craft an intentional culture to match your teaching goals.

We recently sat down with this father/daughter duo to discuss the greatest challenges facing teachers these days, some positive developments currently happening in classrooms across the United States, and the most important thing educators need to know to be successful.