Tuesday, 15 May 2007

What can a teacher make?

I got this great message forwarded to me in a bulk email today from Phil, our I.C.T. Administrator. Normally I don't read these spammy bulk emails, but this one was fabulous... I don't agree with every point (specifically the "make" kids read and write) but you get the drift. Hope it brightens your day!

Always remember that you DO make a difference..

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 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.
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?"

THERE IS MUCH TRUTH IN THIS STATEMENT:
"Teachers make every other profession "


Update: Check out this video on You Tube:


1 comment:

  1. Love it!
    I now have a comeback for all those "you get so many holidays" remarks!

    ReplyDelete

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