The Gift of a Teacher

The following story, received from a friend, seems particularly appropriate in these days when education is being savagely attacked in the US.

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?"

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 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 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.   

(Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.)

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.

THIS IS WORTH SENDING TO EVERY TEACHER, EVERY CEO, EXECUTIVE AND EVERY PERSON YOU KNOW.

Even to all your personal teachers like mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, coaches and your spiritual leaders/teachers.

A truly profound answer!!!

Teaching is ... the profession that makes all other professions possible!