Who, from the past or present, would you like to teach your class for a day?

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Maybe it is because science has gotten short shrift in the single-minded race for adequate scores in reading and math, or maybe it is because he had such a winning smile. In any case, we don't know exactly why Albert Einstein was the winner of this speculative contest, but there you have it. The impish genius is much loved by our survey respondents.

A close second was Martin Luther King Jr., a perennial favorite of Edutopians. Educators discuss King with students of all ages in subjects as diverse as history, literature, and law. An earlier figure in the courageous pursuit of civil rights, Abraham Lincoln, is another welcome guest of educators.

Less obvious choices also popped up, making one wonder just how the lesson plans of guest teachers such as Dr. Phil, Adolf Hitler, or George Carlin might unfold. Our readers cast many votes, however, for unnamed heroes and heroines, each vote a reminder of how powerful one great teacher can be. Some responses said simply, "My eighth-grade English teacher. He was inspirational," or "My favorite teacher growing up." Sometimes, readers mentioned names -- a shout out goes to Mr. Ricci, Mr. Zeiger, and Mr. Wilder. But usually, respondents just gave a grade level. We hope that the objects of their admiration know who they are.

What do you think? Weigh in on the results.