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 emphasize 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 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, 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 .
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.
I got this in email today and had to share it. I’ve always thought teachers were very special people to take on a classroom of children from different backgrounds, total strangers looking to that teacher for direction, wow what a job – and a responsibility.
I do good being responsible for one child, much less more than 10-30 kids!
Take a moment and applaud your kids’ teachers today, let them know how much you appreciate their hard work for the benefit of your child. If you haven’t had any children yet, think about your favorite teacher in school and be thankful for them.
It shouldn’t take a special day, or a horrible event to make us take notice of the overwhelming job that they do, much of the time with little to no appreciation.
What did your favorite teacher teach you?
(**** HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELVIS! ****)
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