FEMME POINT

began: “Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.

“I make a C+ feel like the Nobel Prize. I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can’t make them sit for five without an iPod, XBox or hired DVD.

“You want to know what I make?” asked Barbara again, looking at each person round the table. “I make kids wonder. I make them question. I make them apologise and mean it. I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.

“I teach them to write and then I make them write. Texting isn’t everything. I make them read, read, read. I make them show all their work in mathematics and use their brain, not the calculator.

“I make my pupils whose first language isn’t English learn everything they need to know about English while preserving their unique cultural identity.

“I make my classroom a place where all my pupils feel safe, no bullying allowed.

“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.

“Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, because I know money isn’t everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention.

“You want to know what I make? I make a difference. What do you make Mr CEO?”