The president's recent speech on education was inspiring. Separately this month, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is launching its "Get Schooled" initiative. I'd like to add my two cents to the current conversation. My head will be handed to me for this, but keep in mind I am writing this with only one goal, to help improve education in the county I love.

I live in east Cobb and, arguably, we have the strongest schools in Cobb. The flippant response is that's because we have money. I don't think so. Many people here are not doing well.

Here is what I see: extremely strong support for the PTAs, foundations, teachers and administrators. I know there are supportive parents everywhere. They have my great admiration. But there is a focus here that is an entrenched part of the community-wide fabric. I know we don't suffer from the same rates of poverty and transience that afflict other parts of the county. But I also know that in some areas principals hold parent meetings, replete with free food, and no one comes. Also, mine is not the "magic bullet" for school improvement, just one piece.

Let's dispel another myth. Not all our volunteers are stay-at-home moms. Our PTA president last year had a full-time job. The current head of our foundation is a working dad. They arrive very early in the mornings to meet with principals and teachers. Our Box Top chair created flyers at night after work. Some Room Moms work full-time and e-mail after hours to fulfill teachers' needs. I have a ton of stories like this.

In today's work environment, many people telecommute one or more days a month, an ideal day to slip into schools briefly to photocopy, compile hand-outs for a teacher or organize workrooms.

The word "can't" is always the easiest, but most defeatist, one to say.

Why do you think all of this helps our schools? Fundraising, of course. But it goes much deeper. Imagine working at two different jobs. At one, no matter how much you give, you never feel fulfilled. At the other, you have a "fan club." You are shown on a weekly basis that you are appreciated and supported.

If you need help on a project, all you need do is ask. All the "grunt work" is taken care of so that you can focus on what really matters. You are greatly respected and parties are thrown in your honor.

An entire group is formed just to do your photocopying for you.

In which job would you flourish? Where would you lobby like crazy to work?

This second scenario is the east Cobb schools, and it has little to do with money. The conversations at our bus stops are about school, and are nearly always positive.

The children absorb this and realize that we respect education and it is a major focus of our lives. We believe our teachers and principals are the best in the county and want them to stay.

Do we sometimes get under their skin? Absolutely. We are a bit "Type A," sorry. However, there is no nirvana in life. But, overall it is a happy symbiosis. Look at our teacher longevity and low turn-over rate.

In addition, seeing familiar adults from the community inside the schools helps to keep the children on their toes and mitigate behavior problems. And, quite honestly, it gives another message to the teachers. It says that these are schools of excellence. We are giving you our all, so we expect the best from you in return. I am a huge supporter of teachers but I know that there are some bad apples in every profession (great teachers resent them more than anyone).

We want to give the message to all "If you are a teacher of excellence, we will move mountains to support you."

If you are just in it for the benefits or "tenure," please go elsewhere.

I was recently told "You're one of the cool Moms because you volunteer in the school so much."

Wow! An education mom who equals cool. Is this the attitude in your school? If not, it's in your power to change it.

Carpe diem. (Seize the moment.)

JoEllen Smith is a freelance writer and education activist in east Cobb.