For All Teachers

By Mark C. Anderson

Not sure where this originated, but it still rings true.

He reminded the other dinner guests of that old saying about teachers: "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach." To corroborate, he said to another guest: "You're a teacher, Julie," he said. "Be honest. What do you make?"

Julie, who had a reputation of honesty and frankness, replied, "You want to know what I make?" "I make students work harder than they ever thought they could. I can make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor and an A- feel like a slap in the face if the student did not do his or her very best."

"You want to know what I make?"

"I make students wonder." "I make students question." "I make students critique." "I make students think." "I make students write." "I make students read, read, and read."

"I encourage them to experience life, in all its forms, whether it be music or medicine, carpentry or calculus. And to find joy in the performance of life, so that their lives are rich, full of kindness and culture, and they take pride in themselves and their accomplishments."

"I make them understand that if you have the courage, then follow your heart...and do what you love. And if someone ever tries to judge you by what you make, you pay them no attention."

"You want to know what I make? I make a difference. What do you make?"