Michelle Obama focuses on schools

Michelle Obama rallied the troops at the Education Department this afternoon, choosing public schools as the issue for her first substantive public appearance as first lady.

"I'm a product of your work," she said, noting that she attended Chicago's public schools. The new education secretary, Arne Duncan, was the CEO of that system.

"I wouldn't be here if it weren't for the public schools that nurtured me and helped me along. And I am committed, as well as my husband, to ensuring that more kids like us and kids around this country, regardless of their race, their income, their status, their -- the property values in their neighborhoods, get access to an outstanding education."

She said that she and President Obama are committed to giving children an outstanding education and will make investments in public schools in the stimulus package going through Congress.

"Thank you and roll up your sleeves, because we have a lot of work to do," she said.

Michelle Obama spoke last week at a private reception marking the signing of an equal pay law.