The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing careers and salaries. A CEO argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher? Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach," he laughed.
To stress his point he said to another guest, "You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?"
Bonnie paused, then replied,"You want to know what I make? Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I make a C+ feel like a Medal of Honor. I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class when some parents can't make them sit for 5 without an iPod or a DVD or a video game. "
She paused again, "You really want to know what I make? I make kids wonder. I make them question and think critically. 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 and read some more. 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 cultural identity. I make them stand when they say the Pledge of Allegiance because we live in the United States of America. I make them understand that if they use the gifts they've been given, work hard, and follow their hearts they can succeed in this life. I make my classroom a safe place for all my students."
Bonnie paused once again, "I make a difference. What do you make?"
8 comments:
Bonnie had the perfect answer.
Yes, good teachers do indeed make a difference in our lives and we owe them so much.
I have a few that were wonderful teachers.
Mrs Claxton - my first grade teacher. She taught me to read and gave me my love for books.
Mrs Merrik - fourth grade. She is why I know my times tables. :-)
Mr Bonakoe - 10th grade literature - gave me confidence to say what I thought.
There are others but these three were my all time favorites.
On the other hand, I have had some really awful teachers who should have been anything else but teachers.
Bonnie must have been one of the good ones and we all would have been forunate to have her as our teacher.
Thanks to all those teachers out there that do make a difference. :-)
Love Bonnie's response. So.....how did the CED respond to that, once he pulled his tail out from between his legs???
Diane, Did you make the story up or is it true? Either way, I wish that I had the ability to come up with such a retort on a moment's notice! Anyway, I love that put-down: "I make a difference. What do you make?"
Amen, amen, amen!! Being a home school mom has brought a new appreciation to me for teachers of the world. Bravo!!
This is just great. So true. I just watched Freedom Writers last night, so this was very timely for me.
Oh how true!!! how very very true! I can't wait to show this to my retired Uncle a former History HS teacher..he'll agree with this completely!
Great and moving, as usual!! :)
Happy Monday,
Elizabeth
wow, I've got goose skin. I am a teacher too. Bonnie just gave the perfect answer. well done!
The blatant disrespect for educators is so sadly prevalent. Thank goodness for the intrinsic reward. Being a teacher is the WORST "life isn't fair" story going. Brava Bonnie!
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