And What do you Make?

This is not about Burlingame per se but this was emailed to me today and because the Voice has had its fair share of teacher bashing, it is very appropriate for Burlingame:

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 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 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 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 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 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?"

- Written by Fiona

Comments

[David Sanderson]

RIGHT ON FIONA!!! Our teachers need the respect they deserve. Even though they don't get paid squat, at least they get REAL SATISFACTION from their jobs. Here's to them!

[Mac]

I wonder how many teachers have actually sat at the dinner table with the CEO of a company... I've taught the son of a CEO and I've sat next to the former CEO of ARCO for dinner, but never a current CEO.

Thanks to you Fiona for illustrating the intrinsic motivation that drives a teacher.

Yes, here's to them! My childrens teachers have been a positive influence on them because they have made a difference to their lives and, in my family, teachers have the respect they deserve - though I don't know how much squat they get paid or whether they have sat with a CEO or even with God!