A Poem that Keeps me Going

WHAT TEACHERS MAKE

A poem by: Taylor Mali

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 that it's true what they say about teachers: "Those who can...do. Those who can't ... teach."

To corroborate, he said to another guest: "You're a teacher, Susan," he said. "Be honest. What do you make?"

Susan, who had a reputation of honesty and frankness, replied, "You want to know what I make?"

I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I can make a C+ feel like a 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."

"I can make kids sit through 40 minutes of study hall in absolute silence."

"I can make parents tremble in fear when I call home"

"You want to know what I make?"

"I make kids wonder."

"I make them question."

"I make them criticize."

"I make them apologize and mean it."

"I make them write."

"I make them read, read, read."

"I make them spell definitely beautiful, definitely beautiful, and definitely beautiful over and over and over again, until they will never misspell either one of those words again."

"I make them show all their work in math and hide it all on their final drafts in English."

"I make them understand that if you have the brains, then follow your heart...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."

"And you? What do you make?"

Teachers make a difference and we know it...

I have spent a total of 3 weeks in my classroom now and I love the kids. They are probably the sweetest, smartest, funniest group of kids I have ever met. Sure, they drive me crazy at times, but I know for sure that teaching is what I want to do for the rest of my life. When I am at my school, I really want to be there. I forget totally that I have to do this for school and at some point work. I have been so fortunate to have the guidance of a wonderful mentor teacher who supports me and encourages questions and an incredible staff. The staff at Butte Creek has been so welcoming and they all want to help me if they can.

As part of the education program at Western Oregon, we have to spend up to 3 hours in four different settings (SLP, ESL, PE, Music, Title I, etc.). I have seen so much in just three weeks and I have gotten to see what some student’s lives must be like. Some are from gang activity areas, some from homes that they are not paid much attention to, and some from very low income/poverty. It’s amazing to me how much these kids attach themselves to you. They hunger for love and attention and real relationships with adults that are POSITIVE and SUPPORTIVE. I have been part of those relationships ever so briefly and I love it. I have taken my life for granted. I have a stable home life, a family who loves me and I am in the middle class so I don’t starve and my parents work hard to put a roof over my brother’s heads and mine. I am so blessed.

I was talking to my mom about some kids I met earlier and she helped me come to the conclusion that these kids are just kids. Some are only 13 years old and involved in gangs. They have rough lives and they put up a front that is scary and dark so no one will want to come near them or they won’t have to tell them their story. Its so sad to think about kids with no real childhood. I need to be there for them whenever they need me no matter how long it takes or how hard it is to reach them. I have to keep trying. That’s how they’ll know I actually care. I was also telling my mom that one kid has a very mean exterior, but I was able to get a smile out of him when I was in the ESL classroom on Wednesday. Who knew a smile and 5 words directed to you could feel so incredible. It really does. This is exactly why I want to be a teacher….teachers make a difference and it can be huge for any student.

first visit:)

I went to the school to meet my mentor teacher and the 2nd graders on monday and I have to admit, They are a great group of kids. It's awesome that I can already tell that by now. my mentor teacher is really going to be great to work with. she is really open to trying new things and reassured me plenty of times that her classroom is a safe place to try new things. so many teachers want all of the control so student teachers don't get a chance to explore what we are learning in school. 

I met some of the staff too. I heard from a few of the College of Ed. Directors and staff that elementary teachers tend to stare at the 'newbies' on the first day to try and size them up. when i first walked in the door i was more than ready to be professional and really wow the staff. i didn't want to try to prove myself, but since that is what our COE Staff said to be ready to do, i was ready! as soon as I walked in I was welcomed by the secretary, the principal and quite a few of the specialists along with other teachers. I felt welcome instantly and very comfortable. I think this is going to be a good year. I can tell already that the staff is more than ready to help me with anything i may need help doing. 

One of the kids told me that I was 'a good teacher' by the end of the first day. I only took role that one day and read a story to them, and talked about the story, but it was great to hear that feedback from the kids! That made my day. I couldn't stop smiling and that's when i knew that I have chosen the right career! i can't wait to get back in there!