Thanks to Marcel for sharing this with us.
The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man 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 wonder.
- I make them question.
- 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.
- I make them read, read, read.
- I teach them to write and then I make them write.
- I make them show all their work in math - to use their brain, not just man-made technology.
- I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.
- I make a C+ feel like wining the Stanley Cup.
- I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.
- I make kids apologize and mean it.
- I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know in English while preserving their unique cultural identity.
- I make all my students comprehend how fortunate they are to be living in Canada.
- And, I make my students understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.'
Bonnie paused again, then continued.
'When people try to judge me by what I make, I hold my head up high.' (She paused again
and looked at each person at the table.) You want to know what I make?
I MAKE A DIFFERENCE.