I'm going to print this and give to all the teachers on the first day!




The dinner guests were sitting around the table 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 to become a 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 Order of Canada.

I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, 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 them respect the environment.

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

I make them treat others with fairness, justice and equity.

I make my students stand to sing O Canada because we live in the best country in the world .

Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in 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?'

I love this--- I'm going to include this with their welcome back calendars but I will be changing a few words since we live in the US-- so we sing the National Anthem.

LOVE THIS!!! Will be adding it to my teacher folders for the start of school this fall.

Dawn

What a great way to pay tribute to the teachers at the beginning of the year! I love it too!

Couldn't wait for school to start...Had to share with staff now...forwarded in email. Thanks.