He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?" 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?” "Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.
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?
I make kids wonder.
I make them question.
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 something worthwhile. Keyboarding isn't everything.
I make them read, read, read.
I make them show all their work in math. They use their brain, not the man-made calculator.
I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know about 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 born with, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.
Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, not knowing that money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention to them because they are ignorant.
You want to know what I make? I MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
What do you make, Mr. CEO?
The CEO's jaw dropped, and he went silent.
A truly profound answer!!!
Teaching is ... the profession that makes all other professions possible!
* Actually, I make them sit for 90 minutes! That's teaching in Portugal!
