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The Quotes & Poems section is for any educational quote or poem. It could be funny, inspirational, or just worth reading.
Substitute Poem
SUBSTITUTE by John Scharlock
On the day when you fail to arrive I will take the wheel and drive. Your lesson plans I will fulfill. So do not fret if you are ill. While you are gone your class will not burn. Take your time to heal before your return. Soon your class will be given back to you. Don't worry the SUBSTITUTE will know what to do!
I am a Craftsman
I AM A CRAFTSMAN by Jessica Edwards-Englestead
I am a craftsman. I work with many tools in my trade, In a variety of mediums— Some large, some small They come in many colors— Each has its own beauty. Some are hard and rigid as steel, Others are as soft and malleable as tin. Some are entrusted to me for a long time, Others are in my care for a few days. Each will leave a lasting impression. With each I have to work with the flaws Others have caused or despaired of. Some flaws were accidental, others purposeful. I search to find a way to lighten the scars Or correct the errors others have made And that other artisans may finish the process Of developing the beauty within. Each project is unique in its own way Most will be of use to others While a few sad ones will be discarded But, hopefully, not until after Many like myself, have done everything To try to save them. Every day I delve deep inside To get the inspiration of how to Know when to apply pressure, And when to use a gentle hand. I won’t become famous or rich for my work, But my reward comes from the satisfaction In seeing the finished project I had a hand in And knowing that I will live forever Through all that it touches and inspires. This is a reward beyond measure. I am a craftsman…for I am a teacher.
What Teachers Make
What Teachers Make, or Objection Overruled, or If things don't work out, you can always go to law school By Taylor Mali www.taylormali.com
He says the problem with teachers is, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?" He reminds the other dinner guests that it's true what they say about teachers: Those who can, do; those who can't, teach.
I decide to bite my tongue instead of his and resist the temptation to remind the other dinner guests that it's also true what they say about lawyers.
Because we're eating, after all, and this is polite company.
"I mean, you¹re a teacher, Taylor," he says. "Be honest. What do you make?"
And I wish he hadn't done that (asked me to be honest) because, you see, I have a policy about honesty and ass-kicking: if you ask for it, I have to let you have it.
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. How dare you waste my time with anything less than your very best.
I make kids sit through 40 minutes of study hall in absolute silence. No, you may not work in groups. No, you may not ask a question. Why won't I let you get a drink of water? Because you're not thirsty, you're bored, that's why.
I make parents tremble in fear when I call home: I hope I haven't called at a bad time, I just wanted to talk to you about something Billy said today. Billy said, "Leave the kid alone. I still cry sometimes, don't you?" And it was the noblest act of courage I have ever seen.
I make parents see their children for who they are and what they can be.
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, write, write. And then I make them read. I make them spell definitely beautiful, definitely beautiful, 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 on their final drafts in English. I make them understand that if you got this (brains) then you follow this (heart) and if someone ever tries to judge you by what you make, you give them this (the finger).
Let me break it down for you, so you know what I say is true: I make a goddamn difference! What about you?
