Dinner guests began talking about life. One guest, a CEO, ranted about the problem with education. He said, “What’s a kid really going to learn from someone who decided the best option in life was to become a teacher?” To stress his point, he said to another guest, “Sandra, you’re a teacher. Be honest with us. What do you make?”
Sandra, known for her honesty and frankness, replied, “You want to know what I make? Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I make them sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can’t make them sit for 5 without an I-Pod, cell phone or I-Pad. 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.
I make them use their brain, not a man-made calculator. I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe. 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. What do I make? I make a difference in people’s lives. Now, please share with us what you make, Mr. CEO.”
