What Teachers Make: In Praise Of The Greatest Job In The World (2012) - Plot & Excerpts
This book was full of inspiring anecdotes and thoughts. As a teacher myself, Taylor Mali epitomizes what it means to be great at what you do. It is very evident he is a tremendous individual and I am proud to call him a colleague of mine, though I have never met him, as all teachers are colleagues no matter what institution they teach. This is a must read for every teacher, as well as for anyone who doesn't appreciate what a teacher does on a daily basis. I really enjoyed when he stated that everyone should have to step foot in a teacher's shoes in order to see what it is truly like every day. However, I really think what he says after making that statement speaks volumes as well. He said that the only problem with having everyone step foot in those shoes is that then the students would suffer from this, and this is so unbelievably true. The ignorant person who thought teaching was easy would learn his or her lesson, but there would be 20-30 students who would be missing out on learning themselves, so it wouldn't be worth it in the long run. I enjoy the interspersed poems in the book as well that fit with the topics he discusses. It helps add another level to the already pleasant feel and tone of this book. All in all, the main message is that teachers do make a difference, and that is worth more than all the money in the world. I, myself, don't really pay attention to what I make, in terms of salary. I know a rough estimate, but I can't give a definitive answer to the exact amount. I pay attention to my bank account to make sure there's enough in the bank for bills and for buying amazing books like this one, but other than that, money's importance is far down my list of things to worry about each day. It is for this reason the initial poem strikes a cord with me. The poem makes me feel good about the profession I chose. I even had a gym teacher in high school who told me I was wasting my intelligence by choosing to be a teacher, so I could relate to the incident in the poem. Amazing read and something that I will definitely be sharing with friends and family. Shortly after I began my studies for an education degree, a good friend shared a video with me for a poem entitled "What Teachers Make" by Taylor Mali. I'm not generally a fan of poetry, but this is free form and echoes my reasons for being a teacher. Teaching can be a thankless, low paying and frustrating job (although thankfully my job is not really any of these), but for those of us that love young people, are truly interested in what they have to say, and believe we can make the world better, it truly is (as Mali states in the subtitle to his book) "the greatest job in the world."I need a copy of this book. I need to read it at least one time a year. And I pray that anybody with the ability to create education policy finds it and reads it as well.
What do You think about What Teachers Make: In Praise Of The Greatest Job In The World (2012)?
Great little reminder of the importance of teachers and a nice spark before winter term begins.
—cici
A few interesting points, but a little too preachy for me.
—marly
EVERY TEACHER NEEDS TO REAS THIS BOOK!! Bravo!
—Sarah
