Many times society underestimates the importance of the teachers and educators. The devastating fact that they receive unfair remuneration speaks a lot about the poor priorities of our country.
These people share a great responsibility in the process of shaping our kids’ future and turning them into good people, but still, their hard work is not appreciated. Constantly torn between a bunch of deadlines, numerous papers to grade, conducting everyday evaluations of each student’s performance, and a lot more, leaves them exhausted, but they never fail to find the strength to be the inspiration the little minds need in order to grow into amazing humans.
During an occasion, one CEO started explaining the problem with education, arguing, “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 emphasize 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 five minutes without an iPod, Game Cube or movie rental.” She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table, and continued, “You want to know what I make?”
“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. Keyboarding isn’t everything.”
“I make them read, read, read.”
“I make them show all their work in math. They use their God-given brain, not the man-made calculator.”
“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, placing their hand over their heart to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag, one nation under God, because we live in the United States of America.”
“I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.”
Pausing one last time, Bonnie continued, “Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn’t everything, 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, Mr. CEO?”
His jaw dropped, and he was silent.
Please share this story with your family and friends, and don’t forget to thank a teacher whenever you can.