"The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life.

One man, a Chairman of a large company, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, what's a kid going to learn from a person who decided that his best option in life was becoming a teacher?

He reminded the 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, Annie. Be honest. What do you make?"

Annie 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 Honour. I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 minutes without an iPod 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 apologize and mean it. I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions. I teach them how to write and then I make them write. Typing away on a keyboard 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. 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." (She paused one last time and then continued.)

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. Chairman?"

His jaw dropped, he went silent."