Friday, August 01, 2008

What do teachers make?

I got this in a "joke" newsletter. Not sure why it's considered a joke. I find it harshly true...I'll have to re-read this when I think about my decision to push for that teaching certificate.

***
Some dinner guests were discussing life. One man, a CEO, explained 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? You know what they say about teachers: 'Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach.' " He turned to a guest and said, "You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?" Bonnie replied, "You want to know what I make? 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 minutes without an iPod, GameBoy or movie rental. I make kids wonder. I make them question. I make them apologize and mean it. I make them have respect. 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 their work in math. I make them use their brains. I make 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 and place their hand over their heart when they say the Pledge of Allegiance. I make them understand that if they use their gifts, work hard, and follow their heart, they can succeed in life. And then, when people try to judge me by my salary, because I know money isn't everything, I hold my head up high and ignore their ignorance. So what do I make? I make a difference! And what do you make, Mr. CEO?" There was no response.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

The sad thing is, they both make good points. The teacher has a very good point about the importance of what she does. Unfortunately, I'm not sure that her attitude would be among the majority of teachers. And, the CEO does make a good point. For a profession that should be one of the most important in the country, it is low paid and way easy to qualify. *sigh* Some things are very backward in America.