Taylor Mali on "What Teachers Make"

Summary

In this powerful and passionate monologue, a teacher defends the nobility of their profession in response to a dinner guest’s dismissive remarks about educators. With bold honesty, the teacher outlines the impact they have on students, from pushing them to achieve their best to shaping their character and fostering critical thinking. The teacher highlights their role in challenging and inspiring both students and parents, showing the true value of their work despite societal devaluation. In the end, the teacher emphasizes their ability to make a profound difference, leaving an unforgettable impression.

Takeaways

• 😀 The script critiques the perception of teachers as a career choice for those who couldn't 'do' something else.
• 😀 The narrator challenges the stereotype that teachers are simply people who couldn't pursue other professions.
• 😀 Teachers are depicted as individuals who push students to perform at their absolute best, holding them to high standards.
• 😀 The narrator highlights the role of a teacher in making students work hard, even in difficult circumstances, such as silent study halls.
• 😀 Teachers are shown to have the power to influence parents, making them realize the true potential of their children.
• 😀 The teacher character shows tough love, making students earn their grades and ensuring they don’t take their work lightly.
• 😀 The script emphasizes the value of learning perseverance, responsibility, and discipline in education, symbolized by repeated tasks like spelling words correctly.
• 😀 The narrator’s approach to teaching involves discipline, structure, and challenging students to push beyond their limits.
• 😀 The script contrasts the role of a teacher with that of other professions, implying that teachers make a meaningful, long-lasting impact.
• 😀 The narrator concludes by asserting that teaching makes a real difference in students’ lives and defends the importance of the profession.

Q & A

What criticism does the speaker address about teachers in the script?

The speaker addresses the common criticism that teachers are individuals who couldn't pursue other careers and, as a result, chose teaching as a last option. The speaker challenges this assumption by defending the value and impact of teaching.

What is the significance of the phrase 'those who can, do; those who can't, teach' in the context of the script?

The phrase 'those who can, do; those who can't, teach' is a stereotype the speaker refutes. The speaker uses it as a basis to demonstrate how undervalued teaching is, yet goes on to emphasize the importance of the work teachers do.

How does the speaker respond when asked about what they make as a teacher?

The speaker responds defiantly and passionately, listing the hard work, discipline, and dedication they instill in their students. They emphasize their role in challenging students to push beyond their limits, ensuring they strive for their best.

What does the speaker mean when they say, 'I make a C+ feel like a Congressional Medal of Honor'?

This metaphor highlights the teacher's ability to make students feel a sense of achievement even for small successes. A C+ is elevated to something much more significant, suggesting the teacher's skill in recognizing and celebrating effort.

Why does the speaker make students sit through 40 minutes of study hall in silence?

The speaker enforces strict discipline during study hall to teach students focus, self-control, and the importance of dedicated work. They reject distractions and unnecessary socializing, demanding that students respect the learning environment.

What is the purpose behind the speaker not allowing students to go to the bathroom during study hall?

The speaker's refusal to let students go to the bathroom is not about controlling their personal needs but about discouraging distractions and helping students realize that their boredom or desire to leave is not valid when they should be focused.

What role do parents play in the teacher’s approach, according to the script?

The speaker uses communication with parents to ensure they are aware of their children's behavior and potential. By calling home at dinner time, the teacher aims to make parents confront the realities of their child's actions, thus fostering a partnership for the child’s growth.

What does the speaker mean when they say, 'I make parents tremble in fear when I call home'?

This statement suggests that the teacher holds a certain level of authority and influence over parents, implying that when they call home, it is often to report serious concerns or behavioral issues that require immediate attention.

How does the teacher describe their impact on students' learning and development?

The teacher describes their impact as transformative. They make students think critically, question assumptions, apologize meaningfully, and demonstrate mastery in areas such as spelling and math. The teacher’s approach encourages personal growth and responsibility.

What is the symbolic meaning of the repeated phrase 'definitely beautiful' in the script?

The repeated practice of spelling 'definitely beautiful' symbolizes the teacher's insistence on perfection and attention to detail. It represents the teacher's commitment to ensuring students internalize important lessons and never make the same mistakes again.

What does the speaker ultimately aim to achieve with their teaching methods?

The speaker aims to make a significant difference in their students' lives. They want to instill discipline, critical thinking, personal responsibility, and a strong work ethic, all while pushing students to achieve their best and realize their full potential.