What Teachers Make

The dinner guests were sitting around 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 becoming a teacher?" He reminded the 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 of it?" Bonnie who had the reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what I make? (She paused for a second, and 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 minutes 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 and 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 all succeed in life."

(Bonnie paused one last time and 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?"