Teachers have the huge responsibility of shaping the minds of the younger generations, which is why it’s such a shame that they do not make more money.

A CEO was at a dinner party when he started to talk about what he felt the problem with education was, saying, “What’s a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?”

The CEO brought up the old phrase “Those who can, do. Those who can’t, teach” before turning to one guest and saying,  “You’re a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?”

Bonnie, who was known for her honesty, replied, “You want to know what I make?” She then said:

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?

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.

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?”

The CEO’s jaw dropped and he was totally speechless for one of the first times in his life.