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 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. Keyboarding isn't > everything. > > I make them read, read, read. > > I make them show all their work in math. They use their God given brain, > not the man-made calculator. > > I make my students from other countries learn everything they need. > > To know English while preserving their unique cultural identity. > > I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe. > > I make my students stand, placing their hand over their heart to say the > Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, One Nation Under God, because we live in > the United States of America . > > 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, with me knowing money > isn't everything, 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 Mr. CEO?" > > His jaw dropped, he went silent. > > > Worth reading if there was ever a teacher who made a contribution to your > life....For all my friends who are teachers. Joe>
