There are many adaptations of this poem floating around, but none are as powerful, earnest, edgy, or good as the one written by the original author, Taylor Mayli. Go read it at his website or Zephyr Press has a book of teacher poems that has it as well. At his websote you'll find a few other good ones well worth reading and a cool pen, too.
http://www.taylormali.com/index.cfm?webid=5 Enjoy, :)Bonita ---- Cindy Dunlap <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > 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, 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 criticize. > 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. > I make them read, read, read. > I make them show all their work in math. > 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 to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, > because we live in theUnited 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, 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?" > > THIS IS WORTH SENDING TO EVERY TEACHER YOU KNOW. > (And everyone on your mailing list, for that matter). > > THERE IS MUCH TRUTH IN THIS STATEMENT: > "Teachers make every other profession " > _______________________________________________ > Mosaic mailing list > Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org > To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to > http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. > > Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. > _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
