WHAT TEACHERS MAKE

 

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life.

One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education.

He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?"

He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach."

To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a teacher, Bonnie.  Be honest. What do you make?"

Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what I make?

 
   (She paused for a second, then began...)

 

"Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.

I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor.

I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental...

You want to know what I make?" (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table.)

I make kids wonder.

I make them question. I make them criticize.

I make them apologize and mean it.

I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.

I teach them to write and then I make them write.

I make them read, read, read. I make them show all their work in math.

I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know in English while preserving their unique cultural identity.

I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.

I make my students stand to sing our National Anthem because we live in the best country in the world .

Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.

(Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.)

"Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant...

You want to know what I make?

I MAKE A DIFFERENCE.  What do you make?"

 
(From an email)

Thanks for posting that, dori. I'm sure sadie and lefty will appreciate it, too.


Teaching is the one profession that makes all other professions possible.

Those who can, do… teach!

[url=http://www.nea.org/teachexperience/ifc050315.html]In Front of the Class
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TEACH THYSELF

That was awesome, thanks Dori.

The piece was sent to me by a retired teacher. I just sent him the site Catherine posted--good reading.

I know I wasn't cut out for teaching, and felt totally out of my league the years I worked with scouts. It takes special people to do the work of a teacher, and they never get the respect they deserve.

Thank you to all who are able to do that difficult job and live with so little positive feed-back. You are very special!

Thanks Dori!



They also teach those who can't...that they eventually CAN if they try it in many different ways. They just have to find the way that works best for them!

Awesome article Cat.