Shedding Some Light

What Teachers Make
The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One guest, the CEO of a local company, decided to explain the problem with education.

“What’s a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?” he argued, reminding the others of the old bromide: “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?”

“You want to know what I make?” Bonnie asked, pausing for a second.

“Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.

“I make them wonder. I make them question.

“I make them apologize and mean it. I make them 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. They use their God-given brain, not a manmade calculator.

“I make my classroom a place where my students feel safe.

“Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts God has given them, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.”

Bonnie paused. “Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, I can hold my head high, because I know what I make. I make a difference. What do you make, Mr. CEO?”

The CEO did not reply.

Courtesy of Todd Keith via e-mail