Comments on: Inspirational teacher poem: Taylor Mali on what teachers make

By: Sherri

Sherri — Sat, 09 May 2009 00:34:37 +0000

I attended my sister’s graduation and the keynote speaker recited this poem. I couldn’t wait to get to my computer to print out the actual poem. After I read the poem, I cried. I am a teacher and it is nice to know SOMEBODY understands my pain. However, I love teaching and I know I am making a difference. Teaching is NOT a career you pursue for money. It is a career you pursue to help others while helping yourself. It is very rewarding when my students come back to me and tell me that they understood the things I would preach and that they GOT IT! Thank you Taylor Mali for reminding me…..I’m okay!

By: Adri

Adri — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 00:44:36 +0000

I love this poem and was thinking about using this in my Jr. Class work portfolio [I'm doing it on being a secondary biology education major] untill I got to the finger/god damn part.

By: tes

tes — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 01:13:28 +0000

I am also a teacher and its very heartwarming to know that there are still people of this generation who still appreciate us. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

By: Lori

Lori — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 03:35:23 +0000

For those who critisize and make fun of people who choose teaching as a profession just ask them where would they be if they had no teachers to teach them when they were growing up. Teaching is very difficult these days because of all the curriculum changes and interference of the government and the emphasis on FCAT and other tests. Trying to be creative and passion filled with all the rules and regulations is indeed a challenge along with putting up with principals who are on a power trip. Teachers deserve all the admiration and respect they can receive.

By: Cathy

Cathy — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 02:12:56 +0000

I teach ESE (special ed) students. My philosophy is that I want to make a difference. It is often hard to fight the battle for these children. But I will continue. Thanks for the inspiration as school starts Monday:)

By: Susan Hillyard

Susan Hillyard — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 12:39:18 +0000

I got your speech from a student of mine on an on-line course I’m teaching. Actually it’s the second one she’s participated in and we were “chatting” about how I can show my class of teachers how to be MEAN with students. I live and teach in Argentina although I’m a Scouser from Liverpool and the teachers here are extremely NICE to their students . This results in a certain mediocrity which fits perfectly with this “light” society but where students could be really great. I get highly criticised for putting on the pressure “definitely beautiful, definitely beautiful, definitely beautiful” but I know what I make and so do the students who walk out of school with their heads held high, their roots deep down and their wings ready to fly.
I will be showing what you make to many teachers when I do my training courses. Thank you for making it!
Susan

By: Vanessa

Vanessa — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 20:04:53 +0000

I like your website

By: wtd

wtd — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 21:25:34 +0000

Very nice.

By: Clayton

Clayton — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 02:32:14 +0000

That was truly an inspiring speech. It makes me realize that teaching is definitely a career option for myself. It also follows my beliefs in life of never giving up and believing in what you do. I believe I have heard this poem from somewhere before.