What teachers make

I have a warm place in my heart for Teachers. I deeply respect the energy they use to elevate and inspire others. My first crush was on my 2nd grade teacher, Miss Hitchcock. She was so sweet to me. My mother and both of my Godparents (and occasionally my father too) are teachers. I should be a teacher according to my job recommendations for my personality profile. (Imagine that).
I received the following passage in an email from my Godfather yesterday. I hope you'll enjoy it, and perhaps thank a teacher who has blessed you.

WHAT TEACHERS MAKE

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 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, and 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 criticize.

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.

I make them read, read, read.

I make them show all their work in math.

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 to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag,
because we live in the United States of America.

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, 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?"

THERE IS MUCH TRUTH IN THIS STATEMENT:

"Teachers make every other profession"

Comments

[Darron Jones]

Holy cup of Joe!

First, I'm a huge Becker fan. When he listed your blog on his, I was blown away by your work. And now with this post, it would be an honor to meet you one day. I'm not a teacher, but I have much respect for those who do. My I pass this post on?
I'm really glad to have been introduced to your work.

Darron

[Terry Norris]

Joe, enjoy your insight on life and have been reading your blog every morning, this is so true of teachers, I would like to share this with my son's school if that is ok? He is 8 and I give his teachers credit for doing their job everyday. I've always admired your photography. Thanks Terry Norris

[Charlie]

Joe,

Great insight! You are that teacher! Thanks for a inroducing a different perspective, its not always about the means (the money) its about the end that justifies the means (inspiring & the results from that inspiration). Thanks for taking the time each day to inspire us! Cheers, Charlie

[Joe Photo]

Of course anyone who would like to use this story to share with a teacher would be awesome! As I said, I got this from an email that was forwarded many times, so feel free to bless someone you know who has a heart for teaching.

[Gerri Paulicivic]

Joe, I am so thankful that you printed this post because I do believe that teachers make a difference! I am so proud to be a teacher. Love, Mom

[John Lyons]

Hey Joe - I loved this post! It's so true!
My wife is a school teacher and she cares so much and works so hard. I get so tired of her getting beat up for how much money she makes.
Your post really made her (and my) day!
john

[Taffy Johnson]

hello Joe,
Very interesting article...I made my mum read this, she is a retired school teacher (not from US). Teaching profession is very underrated in this country. Back in India (where I'm from) being a 'teacher' is a noble profession and they are paid well too and it always surprises me when she gets all the respect and love from her former students while we see them. from my experience the teachers I had in college could have made three times more if they choose careers in their respective field... but their commitment to be a teacher is inestimable. You are very right when you said "teachers make every other profession".
thankx for this article
cheers
TJ

[Kayla]

This is awesome! My mom is a teacher. Isn't this country a little backwards as to which professions get paid a higher salary? I am going to pass this story on!