[StBernard] What do teachers make...

[Westley Annis]

What do teachers make...


The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man,
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 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 iPod, 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
livein 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
succeedin
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?"

mah