Camden has faced one of the highest violent crime rates in America. But recently, they've taken concrete, innovative steps to change that: creating more economic opportunity, improving trust between residents and their police department, making police officers' jobs safer, and reducing crime in the process. Today, the President will highlight some of those efforts, and show how other cities can make progress on building safer, stronger communities. Tune in at 3:10 p.m. Eastern to watch the President's remarks -- and tell us other steps you think we can take to expand opportunity for more Americans. As a country, we're at our best when everyone has the opportunity to get ahead. That's why the President is focused on restoring economic security to more American families, strengthening our neighborhoods, and making sure our young people have the chance to reach their full potential. And over the next few weeks, members of the President’s Cabinet will be traveling across America to spotlight other cities that are working to make their communities better. From Secretary Arne Duncan's upcoming trip to Philadelphia, to Attorney General Loretta Lynch's travel to Cincinnati as part of her national Community Policing tour, Cabinet members are highlighting regions where local leaders are improving the quality of life in their communities -- on issues from health care to education to transparency in policing. Our Administration is deeply engaged with these communities and others across the country -- communities that are showing what can be achieved when people from all walks of life come together to expand opportunity for all Americans. Watch what the President has to say this afternoon, and share your ideas with us on how we can continue expanding opportunity.

The President is going to Camden, New Jersey today. Here's why:

• Barack Obama politic President Obama Whait House
• At 5/19/2015 11:07:00 a.m.
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When I entered Ms. Hefty's fifth-grade class at Punahou School in the fall of 1971, I was just a kid with a funny name in a new school, feeling a little out of place, hoping to fit in like anyone else.

The first time she called on me, I wished she hadn't. In fact, I wished I were just about anywhere else but at that desk, in that room of children staring at me.

But over the course of that year, Ms. Hefty taught me that I had something to say -- not in spite of my differences, but because of them. She made every single student in that class feel special.

And she reinforced that essential value of empathy that my mother and my grandparents had taught me. That is something that I carry with me every day as President.

This is the simple and undeniable power of a good teacher. This is a story that every single kid in this country, regardless of background or station in life, should be able to tell. Sharing stories like these helps underline the vital importance of fighting for that reality.

This week, we're starting that conversation, and I want you to add your voice to it.

Today, I'll honor Shanna Peeples as the 2015 National Teacher of the Year -- and I'd like you to share which teacher, like Ms. Hefty, helped shape your education.You can do that here, or by using the hashtag #ThankATeacher online.

Tomorrow, I'll travel to a local library that serves as a hub of learning in the Anacostia community of Washington, D.C. America's librarians, like our teachers, connect us to books and learning resources that help us dream big. They help ensure that we continue learning throughout our lifetime. And that's something that more kids ought to be able to access.

So while I'm at the library, I'll announce new efforts to provide popular books to millions of underprivileged children and young adults around the country and connect more students to their local libraries -- because we know that reading just 20 minutes a day can make a tremendous difference in a student's success. Online, I want you to join the conversation by sharing which book was critical to making you who you are today using the hashtag #BooksForAll. (We all have one.)

And on Friday, as I work on the commencement address I'll deliver at South Dakota's Lake Area Technical Institute next Friday, I want you to share with me how far community college has taken you. For a number of folks on our staff here, it’s taken them all the way to the White House.

This week, we're focusing on those fundamental people, places, and stories that made us who we are today. So whether it's a teacher who inspired you, a book that changed you, or a college that shaped you -- I want to hear from you. We'll be responding to and sharing your responses all week long.

I'm looking forward to hearing your stories.

My fifth-grade teacher

• Barack Obama politic President Whait House
• At 4/29/2015 11:13:00 p.m.
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