What a Teacher Makes

Food for thought - an email making the rounds which is very relevant considering the public servants strike crippling SA at the moment.

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?"

Before she could reply, he added : “It’s life’s experiences that teach the kids things”!

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 without an I Pod, Games or televisionYou want to know what I make?

(She paused again to look 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 how to write and then I make them write. Keyboarding isn't everything.I make them read, read, read and read some more.I make them show all their work in math. They use their God given brain, not the man-made calculator.I make my classroom a place where all my children feel safe.

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, 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.