What Do I Make?

I am a future teacher... well, as of right now...

I am excited to teach. I really do think it's an exciting career... CRAZY and EXHAUSTING, but exciting nonetheless. I sometimes still have a hard time picturing myself running a classroom, but as soon as I get in the "mode", things change. I love interacting with kids. I love when they get excited about an art project. I love hearing their "oohs" and "ahhs" when I show them different art techniques. I can't stand those people that say, "those who can't do, teach..." Oh really? Well, I might not be able to sew someone's leg back on or defend a criminal in court, but I will be there among the future doctors and lawyers before they become big hot shots. I will be teaching them how to look at a picture and see SOMETHING. I am going to do my best to show my students how to appreciate art... even if they think they can't draw. I want kids to know that they are all artists... in their own way. Yeah, I paint and I draw, but music? That's an art. Reading? That's an art. Sports? That's an art. Everyone has a gift... and that makes them an artist.

Below is a poem/story I REALLY enjoy and appreciate. It has really made me a lot more confident in my current career path... I hope it makes you think a little bit differently about teaching if you feel like it's an easy job....

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 my students stand, placing their hand over their heart to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, One Nation Under God, because we live in the United States of America .

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.