With 25 percent of the vote, Rowling grabbed top honors in the second annual Substitute Educators Day poll sponsored by the National Education Association. The runners-up include Microsoft founder Bill Gates (23 percent) followed by golf superstar Tiger Woods (21 percent), "Ugly Betty" actress America Ferrera (18 percent) and blockbuster movie director/producer Steven Spielberg (13 percent). NEA received more than 4,500 responses to the poll, which was conducted in advance of Substitute Educators Day.


"Teachers make magic every day in the classroom when they educate youngsters," said NEA President Reg Weaver. "J.K. Rowling has brought her own magic touch to millions of children by sparking their interest and cultivating a love of reading. Now that the 'Harry Potter' series has come to a close, perhaps Ms. Rowling would like to join the teaching corps -- even if just for a day -- and keep the adventure alive."