Why I Do What I Do....

teaching is one of those things you do b/c you were meant to....or hopefully that's what happens although there are people out there with different reasons for becoming teachers....I've always wanted to be doing this....since I was a little girl. I used to set up this big chalkboard my Grandparents had and put all my dolls at the table and taught them....my Grandparent's neighbour was a teacher and she used to give me her old dayplanners and stuff -- it was fun. I thought I was lucky -- throughout high school and my English degree, I knew what my ultimate goal was -- I wanted to teach...and here I am....but (not to be on a soap box or anything) I think teacher's are really underappreciated...we spend more time with the children/kids in our rooms than there parents do, based on hours in a day awake...and sometimes we are able to make a difference. It's like that quote "You are only one person in this world but to one person you are the world." During my first practicum, one of the teachers told me if I could make a difference to at least one child throughout my profession, my job as a teacher would be accomplished. I strive to make a difference to more than one...but how is this accomplished? I think its through teaching the kids rather than the curriculum.... Put them first....its those "teachable moments" that lies the opportunity for making a difference. All of these thoughts came to me today b/c of two emails I received....check them out...

WHAT TEACHERS MAKE 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 sing O Canada because we live in the best country in the world . 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?"


Check the other one out == www.teachermovie.com