Well last Thursday I was awakened by a call from UVU's English Department Chair. I have been hired full time as a lecturer. I have benefits and retirement and I will have an office. I didn't make it to the retreat because I am still in a lot of pain, but I think school will be just fine. I am on salary! woo hoo no more September money troubles. As School is starting and I am a teacher and such I thought I would share this poem I got sent. It is slightly bitter, but it was written by a teacher after all. :) But I like it.
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 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 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 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.
Rock on all my teacher friends. We are involved in an altruistic and noble profession. Don't let others get you down. Good luck this year. Especially you new teachers. You can make it!
6 comments:
Congrats on the job! You are exactly the kind of teacher that I want my kids to have. Keep doing all of the wonderful good that you can do as you challenge and shape minds. I have a great respect for teachers. Both of my parents were teachers. I set out to become a teacher. Now I get to use my teaching "skills" as a Mom, but I always need help. I wish you lived closer! :o)
congratulations! that is so exciting!! :)
WOOHOO!!! I am so happy for you!!! It's amazing that there truly are blessings that come after the afflictions.
Congratulations!! I am very happy for you. I also appreciated your poem about teachers. I hope you feel better soon.
Alright, way to go! That's really exciting that you got that, I'm really happy for you. And that poem is great!
Congratulations on the job! That is so exciting and you are so deserving. I know you will do the best job--you are amazing!
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