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 were a teacher,
Jim. Be honest. What did you make?"
Jim, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied,
"You want to know what I make? (He paused for a second, then began...)
"Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.
I make a C+ student feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor winner.
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?"
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 about 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.
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.
Jim paused 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?"