A thank you to teachers

[T's mom]

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 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 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, 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..." (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.

[Jackie]

That is so good. I am copying it for all the teachers at my school. I work at a middle school, and I always say rewards are in heaven. I work with kids who count on me for guidance, structure, and a safe place to be, these are kids who have nothing at home but chaos, drugs in some incidences, and not much to eat. I started a community youth group sponsored by a neighborhood historical group and I involve these kids in community projects and I introduce them to things in their community that they can take pride in. We have helped The Lighthouse Missions, Humane Society, Keep Terre Haute Beautiful, and taken field trips to various businesses and museums. I love these kids, all of them.. I love my job and money doesn't mean anything to me, I know I could make more money doing something else, but I know God put me here for a reason and it is my reward to feel needed. I know I make a difference and that is my reward and I wouldn't trade it for more money and the stress of a CEO ever. By the way my sister-in-law works in a suburb of Chgo. and teaches 2nd grade. She makes $83,000 a year .Sure its not a CEO salary, but its no small potatoes in this economy!!!! Thanks for sharing the story, I am sure it hits home with many. It seems that so many in the Navy have moms in education. Just proves that educators are good mothers and bring up wonderful men and women to lead our nation. If some of that rubs off on other kids that we help educate then we have done a good job in that direction, too.

[carol]

way to go Bonnie!!!!! I guess she taught him a lesson!! what I dont understand is why do people have to judge other people by what they make? we all make a difference one way or another!! Mabe he should ask his mom that question, because being a mom is one of the most rewarding job , with no pay!!!! does that mean shes worth nothing? after all , he wouldn,t be where he is today without her !!!! now , would he? you should always keep your words sweet you never know when you will have to eat them!!

[Mom to 2 Sailors]

Way to go!!! Best I have every heard !!!! I am a teacher of 30 years and this made my eyes tear up!!!!

[T's mom]

glad everyone liked my teacher post.it came from the heart.

[P'nut & JAM]

Just now seeing it and this is great. Bet he would not be a CEO if he didn't have teachers that encouraged him to do his best!!! I don't know how the teachers must feel when they finally get through to a child who has been struggling and now they are succeeding but it has to be fantastic! You teachers are Wonderful!!