What do teachers make?

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After watching last night's episode of MMK18 "Sulo", I was again reminded this morning of a story of what a teacher should do. Sometimes, in our desire to give our family a decent life, we have neglected our promised duty of making a difference in the lives of the students who passed by us.

Here is the story:

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 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 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 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 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, then 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, he went silent.

Comments

Anonymous said…
very inspiring mr. e

man in the moon
November 13, 2009 at 1:04 PM
betski said…
Sir, Ganda ng mga naisishare ng blog nyo. Thanks for providing the website.Nkapupukaw ng natutulog na puso at isipan ng mga guro. Sna marami ang makbasa ng mga posted articles na ginawa nyo.
Teachers make a living by making other people's lives. They may either build or ruin lives while making their own. Nevertheless, their efforts make a difference just like ours.
We are the ones responsible for providing all the needed materials along the process of developing and constructing those which are entrusted for us to build,the youths-by being resourceful, creative and sensitive to their needs. May God bless us all...
April 25, 2010 at 10:33 PM
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