For all the Teachers Out There

2011 promises more hard work and greater challenges for teachers. In the 3 weeks of school, the teachers have worked hard to make sure that the lessons are taught, the classrooms are organised and what not. Here's something that a friend shared with me and I would like to share them with all of you because it has given me the motivation and drive to charge ahead and most importantly, it has made me smile... enjoy:
In honour of teachers!
The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO (proud of being a professional), 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, Mary. Be honest. What do you make?'Mary, 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 Medal of Honour. I make kids sit through 30 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 Maths. They use their God given brain, not the man-made calculator. I make my students 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, to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the National Flag, and sing the National Anthem, because we live in this great country.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.'

Mary 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.