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 winner.
>>
>> 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 about 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.
© Copyright 2008
4 comments
most teachers i talk to say "hope you are ready for hell" if you become a teacher
for some reason that inspired me more to be 1
amen smiley