With all the bad news in recent weeks on so many fronts, a message came with it that made me reflect on what is most meaningful about my work and life. If you think of teachers in a broad sense, I am certain most of you will see yourself in this message with a few minor adjustments in words perhaps. As you read this, consider Richard Bach's wisdom shared in his classic book, Illusions about teachers. Then read the story below.
Learning is finding out what you already know;
Doing is demonstrating that you know it.
Teaching is helping others realize that they know as well as you.
We are all leaners, doers and teachers.
--- Richard Bach
WHAT DO TEACHERS MAKE?
Source: regrettably unknown
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 five minutes without an iPod, 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 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, 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?
I leave you pondering what I make?
Debbe
Debbe Kennedy
Author and founder, Global Dialogue Center
Home of Women in the Lead
My New Book! Putting Our Differences to Work (June 2008)
The Fastest Way to Innovation, Leadership, and High Performance
Learn more: www.puttingourdifferencestowork.com
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