Teacher

I "retired" from teaching after my first daughter was born, eight years ago...once a teacher always a teacher! A fellow "retiree" sent this to me...worth the read! Perhaps this will make all of us look at those who choose the teaching profession in a different light... WHAT TEACHERS MAKE... The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a big, important corporate executive, decided to explain the problem with education. He stated firmly, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided that his best option in life was to become a teacher?" Then 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 now. What do you make?" Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You really 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 recipient. 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 say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, 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, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention to them because of their ignorance..." You want to know what I make? I MAKE A DIFFERENCE! What do you make!?"