A group of dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One of the men, a wealthy CEO, decided to voice his negative opinion about education.
He remarked, “What’s a kid going to learn from someone who decided the best option in life was to become a teacher? Those who can, do, Those who can’t teach.”
Then he turned to one of the guest and said, ” You’re a teacher, Susan, be honest. What do you make?”
Susan, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness, replied, “You want to know what I make? I make kids work harder then they ever thought they could.
I can make a c+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor and a A- feel like an interrogation if the student did not do his very best. You know what I make? I make kids wonder.
I make them question. I make them think with a critical mind and search for difficult answers. I make them apologize and mean it. I make them write. I make them read, and read, and read.
I make lids listen...to hear words as well as the love and caring behind my words. I make them grow in integrity, and faith by sharing values that will bring them authentic happiness throughout their lives.
I elevate them to experience music and art and the joy of performance, so their lives are rich, full of kindness and culture, and they take pride in themselves and their accomplishments.
I make them understand that God gave them brains so that they can follow their hearts. And I make sure they know that if someone ever tries to judge you by what you make, you pay them no attention.
You know what I make? I MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
A awesome story by Taylor Mali, High School teacher and Poet
