I was born to teach but left uni before completing it because I was disillusioned by the reasons others were entering the profession. After having to modify the curriculum of both my eldest children's education to meet their advanced and special requirements..I decided to revisit my destiny as a mature age student. I am still unsure about the reasons some of my colleagues want to teach but am more worldly to know I can make that transformation in a the life of a child and hope to make it happen many times over. This is what I was meant to do, it is what I have undertaken in some way or form throughout my career...now is the time for me to enter the realm I was meant to be in..TEACHING. When I feel doubt or uncertainty, Taylor's words remind me why I was meant to be a teacher. The image of the book tower represents for me the knowledge I impart and how it create a home for other knowledge and allows for it to be utilises in other forms.

What do you do?” “I am a PhD student in geography.” {{{Silence while they try to figure out how someone gets a PhD by memorizing capital cities and principle exports. Because that’s what geographers do, right? Just like PhD students in mathematics spend their time memorizing the multiplication tables.}}} “What are you going to do with your degree?” {{{Silence because I had no good answer.}}} Until recently, I didn’t have an answer more complex than this: I want to get my PhD because I love being a student and if I keep paying tuition they can’t make me leave just yet. My usual flippant response to the “what’s next” question was that I would travel around the country after graduation and make people call me Doctor. I was afraid to say that what I really want to do is teach. I didn’t want to get into the “what do teachers make” discussion. I didn’t want to commit to committee meetings and budget meetings and meetings to decide on the next round of meetings and using my ninja skills to negotiate authorships on the mandatory, rote, churned out “publish or perish” papers while my TAs do the part that I love to do: THE TEACHING!!!! I saw the “what do teachers make” video with my committee chair yesterday. His daughter had sent it to him. By the end we were both crying. Just like that, it was a done deal for me. I will teach. I will teach at a 2 year junior college, where the teachers are allowed to teach and the classes are small and where I can tell the students that you get out of a class what you put into it, whether you are paying hundreds of dollars per credit hour or $11. The picture is of me in my training gear, because outside of a classroom, I do my best learning and teaching on the mat.

Last year in my eleventh-grade creative writing class I heard "How to Write a Political Poem." After deciding I liked the poem a great deal, I typed the title into the Youtube.com search engine and listened to it many times before deciding to click the links to other poems. "What Teachers Make" caught my eye. Naturally, I clicked the link and listened. Then I hit the "replay" button and listened again, and again, and again. The words of that poem gave me the reasons I needed to ignore all the people who tell me I "can't do anything with an English degree" or that I can "be so much more than just a teacher." No doubt this people want me to succeed, but I need to follow my heart.

Thank you! I have always thought teaching was worth more than the money, and you just helped me to put it into perspective. I want to become a teacher because I care about the future of the world.

Recently I decided that I wanted to be either an ESL (English Second Language) teacher or teach a foreign language here in the US. I'm only a junior in high school but I know what I want to do. Already, I'm teaching other teenagers and younger kids Japanese, French, and English. Teaching had always seemed like a fun idea and I'd always wanted to decorate my own classroom. After I saw Mr. Mali's "What Teacher's Make" performed by a performance poet Blair at my high school it was like my eyes were opened. I realized that not only can I teach, but that I can inspire, I can make a difference in other people's lives just by teaching. I'd never realized how influential teachers can be and looking back, I see so many examples of teachers who ruined kids lives and educations. It made me want to be the teacher that kids can come to not only when they need help with school work but when they need a shoulder to cry on. I want to be the teacher that students come to school even though they're sick just because they would hate to miss what I have to say. I want to be a teacher because I want to be a stepping stone and the helping hand that helps other kids do what they've always dreamed of doing, and with a smile. Not only do I teach languages. I teach love, respect, manners, and tolerance. I teach others to not make the same mistakes that our generations and others have made. I teach cultural awareness and understanding. I teach that diversity is how things should be and that what we all need is unity.

I had wanted to be a high-school English teacher since 10th grade, but like most adolescents, wasn't really sure of what I wanted from ANYTHING in life. In freshman year of college, I heard "What Teachers Make" for the first time, and Taylor confirmed that being a teacher meant everything I hoped it would mean. More support for this was added as I listened to "Playing Scrabble With Eddie," "Like Lily Like Wilson" and "Seventh Grade Viking Warrior. Thank you, Taylor, for making THE difference in my making A difference

I was about to give up on teaching and then I saw your video on what teachers make! I just want to say thank you! I taught and then stayed home 11 years to raise my own children and when I came back NY state changed requirements and I had to take an additional 18 credits to get my certification or dual certification. I was upset and was going to give up and someone sent me your video and I'm one class away from reaching my goal. I work in a middle school now and I love what I do. Thank YOU! :)

You've really impacted my life in a huge way, and I think that you derserve to know how (so I will email you backchannel). The picture is a very bad one of me and the little girl I used to babysit, but she has taught me so much more than anybody could ever imagine.

Four years ago, I was living in San Diego writing an incredible amount of poetry in addition to a novel. I had just been fired from my job as a sports writer and was looking for work. I wanted a way to continue doing what I loved doing the most, which is writing, but in a way where I could use my passion in a meaningful capacity. I purchased the Def Poetry season 1 DVD and was blown away by "What Teachers Make." My friend and I watched it several times in a row. It dawned on me that I could follow in the footsteps of many great leaders in history and encourage a generation to write, write, write...and reeeead.... So I did.

Last year I was taking my last math class for my degree in Early Childhood Education. My professor Irv shared with us the video "so like whatever". What Taylor said about our generation speaking with conviction has stayed with me. I graduated and began my Master's program this year. Working with students everyday now, and knowing how many students' lives I will impact over the years is a huge responsibility. I just saw the video "on what teachers make" last week. It was the perfect moment to see this and everytime I watch it, it brings tears to my eyes. It's not about the money, it's about the passion that we have for teaching but also the ability to pass the passion for learning to our students...

In High School, I had been exceptionally intelligent for my age and I was very skillful at taking tests, so I would often have above average test results. However, because of my capacities I became arrogant and would refuse to do the daily class work, thinking myself above it. I almost failed High School because of this, but a handful of teachers invested in me so much that I was inspired by them to turn myself around and graduate. They taught me to always seek self improvement and always be a learner. The poetry of Taylor Mali is a powerful and concise expression of the passion and compassion that my teachers had for me, that had changed me. And now, of all the things that I had thought I would become, I am now a teacher in a private school. I thank my teachers and Taylor Mali for being two of the major catalysts which convinced me that my passion is also theirs: exhorting and challenging others to higher ground... by teaching. "Those who can, do; those who would do more, teach."

I am in a graduate program with the word 'pedagogy' in the degree and I find more inspiration to teach from you than I get in my entire program. I was close to dropping out and become a well-educated window washer before a good friend hooked me into you. I am going to be a great teacher, damn it, because my students deserve it. Thank you for reminding me to be diligent with my passion.

Taylor, a little reassurence you are making a differnce: I was day dreaming through an Information Technology lecture at uni. It was quite boring and I had lessons to plan for prac. It was our final lecture and it was a simple unit review. At the very end our Lecturer, Will, played the, Do you make a difference podcast from youtube. It was a light bulb effect; you made me realise exactly why I was sitting in this lecture. I want to be a teacher and pay packet means nothing! I'm finshing my first year at university, I will finsh my course and go out into the world to make a difference. I am only an 18 year old girl but in my life I plan to make a positive diffence to the lifes of hundreds if children. Taylor Mali, you are my eye opener and inspiration! You are making a difference! Much love and support, Nina.

When I graduated college in 2003, I decided that very graduation day that I would not pursue my dream to be a teacher, that I would try to find something "more exciting" and "glamourous". Fast forward to January 2007, after I had been laid off from the 5th "more exciting" and "glamourous" job, I found myself bored at home, poking through poetry videos on Youtube. Mixed in amongst the various Def Jam videos was "What Teachers Make". It was that day that I decided perhaps it was time to dust of my dream of teaching and give it a try. I'm now in my second year of teaching High School English and I couldn't be happier. Every day I feel that standing up in front of my classroom is far "more exciting" and "glamourous" than anything else I could be doing.

I remember getting an email. The subject line said "What Teachers Make." I was still working in the corporate world while my sister and aunt were becoming teachers. I refused to believe that I was supposed to be a teacher, and stubbornly stayed in corporate, despite my hatred of it. I read the email and nodded. I knew it was all true. But it wasn't until I went back to grad school and interned at a local high school that I finally understood. I felt like I was home, and I've been there ever since. Teaching is just a job, it isn't the summer breaks, and it is not a stop on the path to whatever it is I'm "supposed" to do with my life. It IS my life. My students are the light that illuminates my path, and I don't know what I would be without them. I know now the difference I make. I hope that someday they understand the difference they've made for me. So thanks, Taylor. I didn't realize it then, but I do now. You had a hand in helping me find my way to kids who needed me, even before I knew how much I need them.

Taylor Mali has informed me about the nobility of teaching with his poems. I entered into my freshman year of college as a business major with money on my mind. After reading and watching Taylor's poems, I was enlightened on the extreme gratitude that one receives from teaching. No amount of money on one's salary can replace that. His work has inspired me to pursue a career in teaching. I am currently majoring in education at the University of South Florida.

Since freshman year, I have wanted to become a teacher. I had a few extremely inspiring teachers throughout high school. I knew that I could not be happy doing anything else. A lot of times people tell me that I am too smart to be a teacher, and that I should become a doctor or a lawyer so that I can really support a family. Your poetry has solidified my desire to teach, however, and I will keep your message with me when I go off to college next year.

I spent a decade and a half working in the securities industry. It was indeed like you imagine with lots of coffee, screaming, stress, and fast money. The one thing they never show in the movies is what is missing: the difference. I can make and lose millions for people but 50 years from now, will they remember yet another stockbroker or financial adviser? What I learned was that money does not matter, people matter. I wanted to make a difference damn it. I want someone 30 years from now remember that evil math teacher that opened their eyes to the amazing world of numbers that touched their lives. I saw your video and decided that was my calling. It was that exact moment I decided my future. I love what I make now. A difference. Thank you for changing my life and the lives of my kids Taylor.

I am currently a senior in college, and in the midst of my student teaching semester. I'm working in a second grade classroom, and I must admit, it is rewarding, yet very challenging at the same time. A friend of mine showed me the "what teachers make" video, and I must say, it made me feel completely secure in the choice I have made for my career. All the doubt of whether or not I am cut out for the job went away. Teaching is an incredible experience, and this just puts it into words. Thanks Mr. Mali

I was struggling to work through my coursework to become a teacher and was losing motivation when one of my professor's showed my class your video. I couldn't take my eyes off the screen and the words gave me chills and renewed my faith in my career choice. Whenever I get stressed about my days in the classroom I watch your video and remember the passion I have for teaching.

As a biology major, I was intending (since I was very small) on attending medical school and entering the medical field, but throughout college and growing as a person I realized how I would like to make an impact on the world, by showing to others, one at a time, just how awesome and cool and "everyday" science really is. Since then I have been involved in programs that help to bring school subjects specifically science to underserved communities. I am now about to begin a program where I will get my Masters in Teaching and then go on to teach biology in those schools that many deam as "under achieving". I want to teach where others have failed before not only because I want the challenge but because I feel that is where I feel my gifts had led me. I think that Taylor Mali not only reiterated my personal philosophy on teaching but emphasized the importance of excited teachers. I love getting up knowing that a few days a week I get to help students see just how awesome scicence. I want to get my hands dirty. This picture is of me and a group of middle schools studnets that I worked with in a summer long program run through AmeriCorps. Here we had just finished a week long outdoor program where we took all the participating students to a camp and worked on teamwork and life skills.Most of these students live in very poor urban areas around Dallas and most are considered under achieving student by many school tests, but we learned about life through experience that summer. We were red cabin, so everything was oriented around RED, many of these students had never been in the outdoors like this!

Mr. Mali, I have decided to be a teacher, not just for the reason of mere persuasion from you, but from my own ambition. I have had a dream, for a very long time now it seems, to be a teacher in History. I am a war veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, I served two tours, and I learned that I have the natural ability to teach and lead. I was really inspired by your poem, "What Teachers Make" on Russell Simmons Def Poetry. I want you to know that I want to make a difference with the future leaders of this country, no matter "What I Make."

After watching "What Teachers Make" I realized that teachers do truly make a difference. Every day a teacher somehow impacts a student's life. I then began to think about how many amazing teachers I have had that truly inspired me. I could only think of 5. When I tried to think of teachers who did really make me learn or think, I came up with a much longer list. I want to teach others that learning can be fun, and I want to spread my love of the English language through teaching high school English. I would have never thought about the impact a teacher can make if it were not for Taylor Mali's mission.

I was in my junior year of college when I saw Taylor Mali on Def Poetry Jam on HBO. He did reading of his poem "What Teachers Make". This poem impacted me so much and at a time where my future career was undecided. I am now in my 8th year of teaching high school where on the wall of classroom hangs the quote: "I make a difference. What about you?" --Taylor Mali

During my BA I forgot why I wanted to teach. Taylor's poems reminded me. The picture below is of me and the people who pushed me through my teaching training, my fellow ICT teachers, who qualified with me.

To rephrase Lord Polonius, "Wit." Currently in second year of Theatre Education Degree First saw your work on youtube four years ago. You sure convinced me. You are a marvelous man, please continue to inspire as you so wonderfully do. P.S. The (unfinished) chalk quote is, "Anything not worth doing is worth not doing well. Think about it." (Robert Fulghum's book All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarden)

I watched a version of the "What Teachers Make" poem on YouTube shortly after attending a Teach For America presentation my sophomore year of college. Those two events changed my life forever. I am proud to say that I am now going to help "make a difference" in the lives of children in Newark, NJ as a part of the TFA-Newark '08 Corps!

I saw what teachers make and fell in love.

Some would not consider me a teacher yet, because I only train the Fire Fighter Jr. Squad at my local Volunteer Fire Department, but I do consider it teaching. I got the idea to become a teacher on my own, but what caused me to actually pursue the career was Mr. Mali. I was looking up videos on youtube one day and came across "What Teachers Make" and was completely consumed with the idea of teaching; the poem actually gave me cold chills. Nothing before then or after that has touched me like that poem did. I'm attending R.U. currently to become a history teacher. Thank you Taylor Mali, for the discovery of my passion to teach.

Taylor\'s enthusiasm and passion has inspired me to take the jump and commit to teaching. His words and poetry are just the push I need to stick with my goal of becoming an English teacher. Whenever I doubt myself, I watch his performance of \"What Teacher\'s Make\" and my passion for teaching and inspiring young minds is reignited. Thank you, Taylor Mali. For keeping me on track and away from Law School.

I'm currently in my second year of uni studying to become a teacher. High school with Chem & Eng to be exact. I was unsure whether I wanted to change to become a chemical engineer when my lecturer showed me the youtube link of your "What a teacher makes" performance. I loved it! Suffice to say I'm still going to become a teacher. . and I showed the clip to my mum,who said I was too smart to become a teacher. So, thank you. . . for showing my mother the importance of my choice!

The girl despaired at her lack of direction. She was plagued by a constant flow of assessment; not all of which seemed applicable. Her course: Bachelor of Education-Secondary. Her dilemma: a course that teaches her seemingly useless information about becoming a teacher. Hark! what's this? Lo and behold! The girl never knew that poetry could stir such emotions within her! Although she was losing interest rapidly, the bigger picture was suddenly clear. She now inspires to be the teacher she has read about, hears about and wishes she had had.

I took two years off from school after going for two years in pursuit of a History Degree, with the ultimate goal to be a Civil War Historian. I absolutely love history, and so I thought that being a Historian would be the best career for me. But on the other hand, I love kids. I have been substituting for the past year at a small Christian school, and have recently gone back to school for a degree in Education and History. Hearing your poetry about being a teacher is so inspiring, and I've realized that this is the only thing I can be truly happy doing, helping kids love what I love, and learning how much the past influences our future. Thank you.

You showed me how performance is the key factor in communication. body language and voice fusing with the words and message. Trained as an architect I am now involved in building projects with children. It is also true what they say about architects (both ways: lawyer/teacher bias. But after all we must all eat. Building navigational skills by doing we learn playwise. Language and math come together in clear but complex situations. coaching (teaching) is always in situ.

I’m killing some time on my free period in the cold hallways of Upstate NY. Christian Brothers Academy,Syracuse to be exact. Picture it, Hamilton, NY,maybe five or seven years ago. You and Patrick Lawler did a reading in a church that was also holding a book sale. I was moved by your poetry, although my intent was to surprise my favorite writing teacher, Mr. Patrick Lawler. I had applied to several MFA programs around the country, wanting to better myself as a poet. When I saw you perform your poetry, something snapped inside me or clicked into place. I figured out that I COULD be a poet and teach. Fast forward to graduation at LeMoyne and SUNY Oswego. I taught in England for part of my student teaching, and there is where I found my love of uniforms for students. Now, I teach at the best Catholic High School in the Central New York Region, and often find myself checking out your website for new poems. I turned the librarian at CBA on to your poems, as well as most of the English department. I know I make a difference, and the good days far out weigh the bad. I’ll so this for as long as I can. Thank you for putting words to my emotions, because while I once dreamed of becoming a poet I have found I no longer have time or brain space for it. When I need to laugh, reflect, or remind myself why I do what I do, I take out one of your poems and read it. Thanks for the inspiration. I am taking the summer off to rediscover my poet self now that I am in touch with my teacher self.

I had always assumed I would be a teacher, not because there aren\'t many options for those with a B.A. in English but because it was something I wanted to do. Movies like \"Mr. Holland\'s Opus\" were always favorites of mine and I always became quietly emotional at the end (in contrast I was left unaffected by \"Old Yeller.\") Late last fall when I had been accepted into Teach for America and was contemplating whether to accept I clicked on a link in an education major friend of mine\'s Facebook profile and watch the Youtube clip of \"What Teachers Make.\" I went to the TFA website shortly thereafter and accepted my position. I start in two months.

I had already enrolled in Grad school, but was still having some doubts about pursuing the teaching path, given the fact that it is not the most lucrative financially. One of my professors introduced me to the poem "What Teachers Make" and it was certainly a refreshing experience to hear an answer to what many people, including my condescending ex-husband whose attitude is very similar to that of the lawyer in the poem, had tossed to me about teaching. Other works, such as "Undivided Attention", "Like Lily, Like Wilson", and “Tony Steinberg: Brave Seventh Grade Viking Warrior,” further firmed my resolve to teach, and the phrase: “Let me teach like the first snow, falling,” is to be found on the title bar of my e-portfolio, along with the credit to Taylor, in the byline, where it is due.

I am a second year (soon to be third) education student at Wilfrid Laurier University in Canada, I am majoring in Philosophy and I want to become a teacher so I can 'make a God damn difference' in the life of kids to come. My program required me to teach for 20 hours during my fall term, however I decided to stay and teach for the rest of the year. This year i taught music and visual art at an inner city school, and I feel that I have made a difference in the lives of my kids because I have been able to help them channel their emotions through art and music, ultimately improving overall classroom behaviour as well as academic achievement. I can’t wait for the day to come when I will get my diploma and get a class of my own.

You have been an inspiration to me, affirming my belief that one of the most important influences in life is that of a teacher on his students. In my own life I have felt the positive effects of amazing teachers as well as the demoralizing sting of horrid ones; I have been inspired to create my own style by some instructors, and I have sacrificed grades for sticking to it with different ones. BUT, after it all, the positive growth has by far outweighed the negative. Thanks to the heroes, the poets, and dreamers of dreams like you, I have grown to the realization that I want to be part of that positive inspiring influence on others... I want to teach. Nothing compares to the feeling of making a real difference in this life.

I just finished up my student teaching this past May. I never would've finished it and continued toward my Agricultural and Extension Education degree if I had not found your inspiring work. My first week was awful. My younger brother showed me your video on youtube at the time and it helped to remind me what teachers really do. Teahcing isn't always wonderful at the moment, but the end result is worth the trials and tribulations. Thank you so much for helping to keep teachers inspired and for contiuing to add to education workforce. My picture is of myself teaching ferret restraint (scruffing) for my small animal care unit during my student teaching experience.

I have always toyed with the idea of putting my sanity on the line to become a teacher. After failing the biology program for veterinary science, I asked a friend of mine what my options were. She then sent me 'What Teachers Make' from youtube. It was at that moment I knew that I should pursue an english degree and teach the magic of the written word to the hopeless, wayward kids of the educational system- namely, high school students. If my sanity is so compromised, then it will be well worth it to just show them their potential. Thanks Taylor!

I was on the proverbial fence about going back to school. I wasn't sure I wanted to leave my cushy 'no brainer' job for the great unknown. Then my friend showed me What Teachers Make and we spent the evening listening to your CD. My friend, being a teacher herself and fellow lover of all things literary, thought I'd find it inspirational. I did, classes start this August, and I will be in attendance. Thank you.

As part of the admission process to the Master Teacher’s Fellow program that I will begin on Monday at Wake Forest University, a video interview was required. I knew that if they asked me something like, “As a future teacher, what standards will you hold yourself to?” that I would quote a Taylor Mali poem. From, “What Teachers Make”, I had memorized, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I can make a C+ feel like a Congressional Medal of Honor, and an A- feel like a slap in the face. How dare you waste my time with nothing less than your very best. I always knew for me, it was a moral imperative to become a teacher. It wasn’t until I heard Mali perform at UNC-Wilmington that I realized teaching would perhaps be the noblest thing that I could do with my life. After college, I saw my Taylor Mali-inspired epiphany unfold when I began working as a classroom assistant at a charter school in San Diego. I had never felt more at home in my own bones than when I was leading the reading group that I had started, which eventually became known as the self-titled, “O.G. (Original Gangster) Reading Group”. I often stood back, bewildered that somehow I was able to encourage and help open the minds of the students. I witnessed impassioned readings and furious journaling from students that had joined cautiously, unsure of how much they were willing to share with others. At the end of the reading group, I told the students that I genuinely believed that what they had just been a part of, the sharing of opinions and feelings, the risk that they took when they opened up to each other, was perhaps one of the most noble things that they could have been a part of. And they agreed. P.S. The quote is supposed to be italicized and indented, and the picture is me with some members of the O.G. Reading Group.

I am a sophomore in high school. However, I do wish to pursue a career in education. I think I've always wanted to do that, but there have been many people who have tried to deter me from doing so, mainly because "the pay isn't that great." I still told them that I want to be a teacher. After seeing a video of you explaining what teachers make, I have completely made up my mind on becoming a teacher.

All through high school I never knew what I wanted to do. One day I realized I could one of two things: be a teacher or join the Air Force. Long story short: I have never been more certain about anything in my entire life. After hearing "What Teachers Make," it hit me about how much of an impact I would be making. I was born and raised in Haughton, LA, and even though I would love nothing more than to move around the world and experience life while teaching along the way, nothing would satisfy me more than to return to my small town school and teach high school English. Thank you Taylor, for what seems like a sword to battle the people that challenge my conviction and goals.

Hi Mr. Mali. I just wanted to tell you that I am just hitting the end of my first year of studies to become a math and theater arts teacher at the University of Minnesota. It’s an odd combination, but it couldn't be more fun. I have discovered how much I love the thought that I can help and inspire, and cannot wait to begin my career. In about three years I'll be a real teacher and I suppose that would be the time to actually count me on your list. Maybe I can be a 1/2 for now or something. I was introduced to "What Teachers Make" in an AP English class last year. At the time I was struggling with what to do with my life. My mother wanted me to go to engineering school and I somehow knew it wasn't for me. I will give the main credit for me becoming a teacher to Rolf Olson, the wonderful teacher of that English class and the best mentor I could ever have asked for, but I can't tell you how much "What Teachers Make" gave me the confidence to go out and become an educator. There is something in society that makes it terribly demeaning to be a teacher. My own mother told me she didn't want me involved in such a "female oriented weak profession." Still, I started tutoring kids and knew it was what I wanted, and your words gave me many reasons to share with people. Best of luck in your teacher recruitment!

Mr. Mali, you are one of my personal heroes. 'What Teachers Make' definitely helped me in my decision to pursue teaching as a career. I hope to one day discover the feeling one gets from teaching and be able to create it for myself in my own classroom someday. My one true hobby is literature. I’ve always considered teaching because it can be a way for me to bring my hobby into work and also to share my love and enthusiasm for written works with others. Reading your work has inspired me to take the steps towards becoming an educator. You have a brilliant mind, a moving voice, and you are an inspiration and mentor to me. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have helped me give direction to my life.

I have always adored your work and truly believe that you were the one, through your poetry and words, that inspired me to become a teacher. While deciding on what to do in college, I thought about teaching, but I would constantly change my mind and find something else to focus on. When I went into college I had the mind set of becoming an Editor. However, after listening to your amazing poems and seeing how much teaching has influenced your life, I felt the need/desire to give back to students in my community. I am now finishing up my degree in Elementary Education with a minor in ESOL at Salisbury University, Maryland. I want to thank you for fueling my desire to educate and mold the minds of students.

I was introduced to Mr. Mali's poetry in college by a theatre professor. I had just decided that acting was my passion, but after listening to Mali's work and poetry, I decided to switch my major to Theatre Education/English Education. I have know been teaching for 3 years and am loving every moment. Anytime I feel like I am a poor teacher and want to hand in my letter of resignation, I read Mali's work and visit his website. I feel accomplished know that I make high school students think out side of the box and challenge their way of thinking. The picture I uploaded is at the No Child Left Behind building in DC--you'll see I am pointing at the word CAUTION!!!

I am in school for a double degree in special education. Because I’ve been in school for so long, I started to feel that there was no end in sight. Then one day I was on YouTube and I saw one of your videos called "What Teachers Make". Suddenly, the passion I once had for a teaching career came back into focus. Few people understand how much a teacher can make an impact in a student’s life. Your work has made me renew my faith in the "education system" and made me proud to call myself a teacher!

I was recently sent your video on “What Teachers Make”. It has affirmed that I am going into the right profession. I am in my late 30's and finally decided what I want to be when I grow up. I’m in the Master’s program at Sage Graduate School in Troy, New York. I am studying to become a High School Social Studies Teacher. I was inspired by my former teachers when I was thinking about going into teaching but, when I saw your video it confirmed that I am going into the right profession. Recently I had the opportunity to teach a brief lesson while doing part of my required 100 hours of observation and I got such joy out of passing along my knowledge! So, thank you for putting the word out there that even though teachers may not be rich monetarily, we become wealthy in knowing we make a difference in the lives of others.

I've seen you perform twice before, once at the New England Young Writers' Conference in Ripton, Vermont (I was born and raised in Brandon, Vermont) and once at Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York. Well now I am no longer at Clarkson; I have transferred to Lesley University, a school of education in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I plan to become a middle school science teacher. Science has always been my passion, and you helped me to realize the best way to express my love for science is through teaching. Thank you for inspiring me to become a teacher!

Count me in. I was taking a break today from writing my classroom management plan for the coming fall (the final assignment for one of my graduate classes this last semester before I begin to student teach!) and stumbled across one of your videos. After working so hard for the past year and a half and drowning in more work than I have ever seen before, as well as observing teacher after teacher who had lost the faith in their own classrooms, I was feeling discouraged. I couldn't help but wonder if in choosing this profession I'd bitten off more than I could chew. Then I found your videos on Youtube. I stopped working. I watched every single one I could find, starting with "What Teachers Make" and ending with "Like Lilly Like Wilson", and like... thank you! You helped me take another breath and remember the reason I'm doing this: I want to change lives. I want to be the one good factor in the life of a child who otherwise would have given up. I want to change lives, one 8th grader at a time. Thank you so much for doing what you do. I plan to show your videos to all of my teacher and pre-service friends, and I hope you have the same impact on them.

I am currently a full time student at Piedmont College in NE Georgia. What makes me different is that I was inspired to go back to college at the age of 40 and become a teacher. We are lacking teachers who really care about the students and who WANT to teach. Many of the teachers that I've met consider teaching "just a job". This angers me as I have a love for young children and want to help and inspire them to be what they want to be. Your poem "What Teachers Make" hits the issues on the head! My English Literature Professor loves to use it in her class. I would love to be counted as one of your teachers because your poetry is inspiring and reminds me why I want to teach.

I'm currently studying commercial music management and creative writing in Austin, Texas. But a combination of the voices of my mother (a middle school teacher in Ok.) and Taylor have inspired me to approach a nobler end. I have decided to study to be an English teacher when I transfer to a four year university. I wanted to be famous when I was little, thinking that the lime light was the only tool for social change. Now I see that all revolutions begin with one. One vote, one heart, one imagination and the world is changed. Thank you for inspiring me and waking me up.

I have always believed that teaching is a vocation, a calling that some feel to devote themselves to the profession. I feel that Taylor's work has helped me to express to myself and others why I want to be a teacher and how important teaching can be. His work eloquently verbalizes my thoughts on what I feel I have been called in my life to do.

I was going to be an electrical engineer, I hadn't told my adviser this yet, but I had already fast tracked myself my freshman year taking all the necessary pre-recquisit courses so that my following semester I could devote myself to the tedious task of all the required math courses and such that is required by the EE field. One day, within my second semester of school as I lay on my bed I was reading an email that my aunt, (27year veteran teacher ... at the time) had sent me, that paraphrased bits and peices of Taylor's work of the Poem, "What I make". I had in a previous email been bragging to my aunt about the amount of money i would be making and had told her that I myself had thoughts of being a teacher in my younger days, but had shunned those thoughts when I realized how little the teaching field offered in the ways of $money$, she was quick to cite Taylor's work, to demonstrate to me exactly why I 100% In the wrong major. Upon finishing this email, I tear rolled down my face, I realized i was an ass, I googled Taylor Mali's work, read almost everthing I could find. It was then, I realize, God I am an ass! But not only am I an ass... I am in the wrong freaking major. I changed my major that day, and even when things get hard, I pop in my copy of Def Poetry Slam, and watch Taylor preform the piece, "what i make?" and I know I made the right choice!

I'm studying to be a teacher right now. I knew that being a teacher was always what I wanted to do. Following generations of teachers in my family, I always heard about making an impact and I didn't know what my potential was until I met a teacher who turned me onto your writings. Your words ring through me like a bell on a day that tastes like magic. I have one simple goal in my life and that is to change the life of a child. If I can teach one student to believe in them self and most important never to give up on their dreams, then I have made a difference in the world.

I am a second year education student at Wilfrid Laurier University in Canada, I am majoring in Philosophy and I want to become a teacher so I can 'make a God damn difference' in the life of kids to come. My program requires me to teach for 20 hours during my fall term, however I have decided to stay and teach for the rest of the year. I teach visual art at an inner city school, and I feel that I have made a difference in the lives of my kids because I have been able to help them channel their emotions through art, ultimately improving overall classroom behaviour as well as academic achievement. I can’t wait for the day to come when I will get my diploma and get a class of my own.

As a student at Miami University in Oxford Ohio, I was planning to major in Music Education, because music has always been my passion, and frankly, the power of music has been diluted by commercialism and the cookie-cutter movement of the past decade. Those dreams were shattered when I was rejected from the Music Department- twice. A few months later, after several unfulfilling majors, I watched a youtube video my mother sent me of your performance "What Teachers Make." I decided to try again, and have applied at other schools- including Berklee College of Music- in an effort to see my dream to fruition.

I am studying become a teacher at the University of Rhode Island. My mother works at Westminster School in Simsbury, CT and she met you and heard you speak the other day. She turned me on to your work. Your poetry is ingenious. I haven’t been completely sure that teaching is what I want to do, but now I’m positive that teaching is for me. Your poem What a Teacher Makes is amazing and inspired me. I want to make a difference, and it’s so true that no matter how much teachers make, the greatest thing they can and do make is a difference in someone else’s life. Thank you so much for this inspiration and I wish you the best of luck on your quest for 1000 teachers.

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For many years, since I was inspired by a teacher that told me I could be a true someone, that I had the potential to do whatever I wanted, I knew that I would be a teacher. I went to college, pursuing degrees in physics, mathematics, and education. But midway through my sophmore year, I was forced to leave school due to economic reasons. Now two years later, I am an Airman in the Air Force, struggling to get by, all thoughts of my own education and dreams pushed aside. But a few weeks ago, I saw a recording of you performing "What Teachers Make," and I was inspired to do everything I can to fulfill my dreams, and inspire another generation to do the same. And I owe it all to that one 'lowly' teacher, who had a passion for challenging his students to be more than they thought they could. Thank you for helping me remember why I began chasing this dream in the first place.

I am from IL, and I am currently seeking employment in the western suburbs, west, and south sides of Chicago. I have always been dedicated to teaching, but it wasn't until I started to hear your poems performed at my school's poetry slams that I realized how critical it was to not only teach poetry, but to be actively involved in poetry. Now, three years after I was first introduced to your work, I am a second semester senior and working on my final senior project - a specialized website dedicated to high school students that are curious about poetry and what it has to offer them. I'm working toward a bottom-up contemporary American poetry revolution in the schools.

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The unmatched satisfaction of watching his students grow and develop into intelligent and independent people seems to give Mr. Mali his drive and direction in life, and to fill him with the kind of passion that allows him to write such meaningful and touching poetry. Taylor Mali's work has touched me by allowing me to see what it is that teachers really gain from their profession. It is a lifestyle and a perspective and I want to be able to have this profound effect on the lives of individuals so that they might influence me in the same way Taylor's students have influenced him.

Hearing Taylor's performance of "What Teachers Makes" inspired me to go on in school. He came to my community college when I was a student and still had no clue what I wanted to do with my life. I eventually chose what to do. After I decided that I wanted to become a teacher, I realized because of past experience that I would be a very good special education teacher. Right now I am in my senior year at the state college working on my goal and working with the wonderful children who also inspire me to make a difference. Teachers make a difference!

I've wanted to be a teacher since I was a little girl for simple reasons—wanting to write on the chalkboard—and more mature reasons—wanting to make a difference. I have had two excellent teachers among many in my life and hope that I can be one day up to their level. I saw a video of your poem "What Teachers Make," and I got the chills. I am forever hearing that I am "smarter" and "better," and that I could do "so much more", but I don't know what could be better than providing motivation and inspiration for children. Thank you so much for putting into words the things I've been thinking all this time.

I wrote to you several months ago, thanking you for your work and also telling you that I hope to soon be one of your 1,000 teachers. Since that time, a lot has happened. Most importantly, I got accepted into the teaching credential program at San Francisco State University. My brother wrote to you recently about his book, but he also reminded me that it was time for me to write to you again. I remember watching my third-grade teacher on the first day of school and realizing, "That's it. That's who I am going to be when I grow up." I was barely eight years old, with crooked knee socks and lopsided pigtails, a mouth full of holes and a solid ring of toast crumbs around my lips, but I knew that I had just learned something deeply important. And here I am, fifteen years later, that feeling just as strong and real to me as it was so long ago. It's true what they say. Teaching is exhausting. The pay is terrible. The work does not end with the last bell of the day. But teachers will understand me when I say, it's all worth it. So worth it. Yes, it's hard, but more than anything, I am grateful that these kids are in my life. I feel lucky that their laughter mixes with mine, that their drawings are slipped secretly into my back pack, that their worries are whispered in my ear. I need to be in this profession, because honestly, I don't think that I could function without them. There is such infinite room for laughter, for mistakes, for questions, for growth, for exploration, for just being weird and silly and alert to life, in a way that astounds me every single day. I grew up in San Francisco, and have worked with its amazing youth since I was still in that category myself. I am positive that this is where I need to be. In a year and a half, I will officially be a teacher. It's been a near-lifelong goal, but I am almost officially "Miss Liana." I cannot wait!!

I'm now a teacher in Denver, Colorado. But I attended a poetry slam in Berkeley in 2002 while on spring break during college. I bought your CD that night, Poems from the Like Free Zone. I still listen to it during my planning period for extra motivation. I am at my best in the classroom. When I listen to your words, I feel like were colleagues, long-distance colleagues.

I\\\'ve had the notion to become a teacher since middle school, but after listening to you at the Culver Academies, I was hooked on the idea of teaching and how it relates to my life. I have always been fascinated by the English language, and after listening to one as eloquent as you, I decided to finally take the leap (so to speak) and become a legitimate teacher. I am now student teaching through Butler University and plan on beginning my career next fall!

I corresponded with you some time ago, stating my intentions of enrolling in a Diploma of Education and at the age of forty four starting my journey as a teacher. Almost three years down the track, I feel privileged to be making a difference as a teacher, passionate about learning and curious as to how I can achieve my vision of improving the quality and relevance of teaching in Australia. Your vision resonates strongly with me and I am interested to explore how I can assist you and at the same time deepen my resolve to fully utilize my capacity as a teacher, ontological coach and agent of change in the education domain. My experience hitherto has been in corporate and community education where I have in over twenty years achieved some impressive results for organizations, individuals and youth groups.

I have always enjoyed telling people about something I recently learned, or sharing information on a topic I know and love. However, it had never occurred to me that teaching would be my career path. When I went to college, I had a lot of interests, but nothing filled me with joy or excitement. I saw Taylor's poem "What Teachers Make" when stumbling around YouTube one day, and that just got my mind working in the education direction. I decided to take classes and loved them, and have yet to look back.

I've known teaching (specifically music education) was my thing ever since middle school. I first heard your poem "What Teachers Make" this last year at school. My friend played it for me, a fellow music ed student. All I could think about was, "Wow, that's the difference I want to make in children/young adults. Thank you.

When you spoke at Holderness School five years ago, I was a sophomore in high school and I thought I wanted to be a lawyer, a do-good lawyer, one with a 'cause.' Your poems made me realize my dreams were of teaching, and I have gone on to Bowdoin College where I have pursued a degree in English and Teaching Education. This photo is of some of the students I taught at Isang Primary School in Mochudi, Botswana, during my semester abroad last fall. Five years ago you inspired me to become what I thought I would never do, and now I know there is nothing in the world I would rather do, than teach.

Lately I've been on the long, difficult quest of discovering what to do with my future. Back in August, I sat down in my first day of Speech class. The very first thing my teacher did was play a YouTube video of Taylor Mali's "What Teachers Make". It blew my mind; I listened to more of his poetry and the stories he told about his career as an educator. I had been toying with the idea of becoming an English teacher, but his work really pushed me over the edge and convinced me that I was destined to teach. People may tell me that I'm too young to decide what to do with my life, but I've never been so sure about a decision that I've made.

I have had many adventures and careers in my life. I have moved many times out of curiosity or the need to find my elusive place in the world. It wasn't until three years ago that I realized where my heart lay, in the classroom with a surly group of teenagers in front of me daring me to try and teach them something. That road is a difficult one, and there were many times when I considered an easier degree. One thing kept me going on my path and that was "What Teachers Make". When I lost the reason that I was going through all this, I would watch the video of Taylor and remember why I wanted to teach, what the ultimate reward was in a career that can be largely thankless. In addition, I have used Taylor's work to help others make the same decision. One, a young man who was lost and in a job which did not suit him. I showed him (with Taylor's help) what he could do with his life. He really does have the heart of a teacher. I am almost finished with my degree and will start teaching soon, but I will come back to Taylor's words often. Either to recharge my batteries or kick start a friend's. The attached picture is not of me, but of my son. He inspires me every day and every day we find something new to teach each other.

I've always been a writer and a poet, at least at heart. My father was a school teacher and I remember the horror stories he would tell everyday. Then, I read your book, "What Learning Leaves," and I listened to one of your CDs. I heard so many good things about teaching, such as how great it feels to know that you changed even ONE childs life for the better. Yeah, you inspired me to become a teacher all right, and for that I can never repay you except to continue your work of trying to change the world one "eighth grader" at a time.

In high school I was math student and a know-it-all. And not just the know-it-all of class, the "I think I know more than the teacher does" kind of know-it-all. I was supposed to be an engineer. Then I was supposed to be a lawyer. Then I told everyone I hated both ideas and I was going to be whatever I wanted to be and I dared them all to stop me. So there! It was a great plan, except for not having the slightest idea about what I really wanted to be. I stumbled onto "What Teachers Make" and "Like Lily Like Wilson" sometime a few years back and it helped me straighten things out. I had a few quick glimpses of the teachers in my life who had stood up, just as you did, and decided to make a change rather than just make money - the one's who dared me back when I said I would do what I pleased. So I picked up education as a major, and for two years now I've put up with fake smiles that hide that "A teacher? You could have been so much more" look. But a mere three months into my first true teaching experience, and one month from graduating and moving on to having my own classroom, I've never been more sure that I made the right decision.

My name is Lindsey and I have wanted to make a difference in kid’s lives for years. My major is Early Childhood Education and my minor will be Psychology. I saw your poem "What teachers make" on You Tube, and it inspired me to tell my dad..."I'll make a god damn difference, now what about you?!" When I was 15 I told my dad I wanted to be a teacher. He said "No, you will be a doctor or a lawyer..." since then I've stayed away from the subject, and I tell my dad I want to be a psychologist. I just had a little girl. She is four months old, and every time I think of her future I hope she will have better teachers, idols, heroes, and encouragement than I had growing up. My daughter inspires me everyday to make a difference in children's lives. That is why I want to be a teacher, and I hope I can be my daughter's idol, hero, and provider of the positive encouragement that she deserves.

My name is Derrick, and I am currently training to become an American history teacher. I feel that the most important thing a student must learn is to follow his or her own dreams, not their parents. And that teachers are not out to give them bad grades; they\'re there to give them the grades they deserve. I also want to instill in my students that it is all right to fail, as long as you fail gloriously.

This is my claim to be one of your 1,000 teachers. My name is Justin, and I found my passion for poetry through some friends when I was in high school. Since then I knew I wanted to do something involving writing. I went into college to be a teacher, but I wasn't sure. I considered other things. Psychology interested me, but not as much as creative language. Back to teaching. At one point I almost went into sales. However, I became quickly disillusioned and went back to teaching. Journalism looked interesting at one point in college, but there's no room for creativity, and I was back to teaching. All the years I was thinking about it, and it was always a fall back. Then a friend performed your "What Teachers Make", and my doubts were dispelled. Even after struggling through the purgatory of part-time teaching unable to get a full-time position, I would read that poem and be reinvigorated. I am proud to say that in August of 2006 I landed my first full-time job. The pay is still lousy, and I am loving every minute of it. There is no other career I would be happy in. Thank you for that my friend. You will always be welcome in Iowa.

I have lived and taught in Ohio for 13 years. Your words and passion in "What teachers Make" really gave me the fuel to start another school year with my own renewed passion. I identify with your words and (especially) the love and passion in which you speak them. Expecting more from children, parents and administration; never bowing to judgement about my career choice: art teacher. My goal is to begin and end each day as "that" amazing teacher who touches the lives of all her students regardless of their ability. I am currently working toward a goal of demystifying the arts in my school because they have come under fire recently with threats of cuts. Your words helped me realize that this is what I must do for the students in my school and community. Attached is a photograph of my four year old daughter, Fiona, and I before her dance recital. I chose it because she is very interested in the arts because of all the wonderful art activities that I am involved in (and model to her). She is involved with many different activities in the arts (including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography & dance) and has no preconceptions about them. I feel that if more people had more arts experiences facilitated by excellent teachers then the arts would not be in crisis in our schools. As a mom, I have already demystified the arts to Fiona and now it is time to do this for my school, as well. Thank you! I love your words. They were a gift to me.

My name is Matthew, and I, like apparently so many others, was watching Def Poetry when this man came on the screen and said all the things I wish teachers would say. His words cut like a razor at my reservations concerning becoming a teacher, until all that was left was that throbbing, initial desire to teach. To make a difference in students lives the way so many teachers do. I start graduate school next semester, and have blown up posters of “LIKE FREE ZONE” and full printings of “What Teachers Make” printed on posterboard. They lie dormant for now, until they hang in my future classroom as a daily reminder to myself, my students, and my colleagues of the reason that throbbing desire ever existed. It has always been my view that some of the least “important” things a student learns in school come from textbooks. The most important stem from their friends, family, and of course, teachers. We are blessed to be in that grouping. Thank you, and I look forward to showing future students, when they ask “Why do we need to know this?” just how important poetry is by handing them “Tony Steinberg: Brave Seventh Grade Viking Warrior” and letting them figure it out for themselves. Oh! And by the way, I’m presenting “Love is Like Owning a Dog” at my wedding next year!

So, I was putting some of my old pictures online and I came across one that I tagged with your name. The picture is of my friend Laura (a HUGE fan of yours, as am I) reading your poem, "What Teachers Make." I remember first hearing your work at an Open Mic fundraiser in Toledo, Ohio. I think it was 2003. The fundraiser was for my friends' and my student-run musical theater company, whose proceeds that summer went to a local program that provided free day care for single teen moms who were taking high school and college classes. A year or two later, as a student at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, NY, I saw you perform the same poem I had heard earlier at the Cellar Pub. I cried when you read "What Teachers Make." It said so much of what I was feeling and hadn't been able to express to so many of my friends who weren't in education. I was a junior in the education program at the time, becoming certified to teach elementary and special education. So now I write to you, a teacher of children with severe Autism, residing in Massachusetts. I've just finished my first semester as an actual teacher and I'm still going strong. I don't know if I count as one of your teachers or not- I've been dreaming of being a teacher since I was a little kid, but your work certainly spoke to the feelings and frustrations I've felt before. I've passed it on to many friends and family members (with due credit and without editing, I promise!) who are educators. Anyway, I thought I'd let you know. I'm a teacher. You inspired me and I return to this poem on really hard days. Rock on, and thanks for letting me pass your words along to help so many people.

During my senior year of high school, I was a partial teaching assistant to a class of sophomores. I had been working on putting together a poetry unit with the teacher I helped, and when she broke her ankle, I was able to quasi-teach her class. I came home one day after trying to get my kids to think up reasons why poetry could be important in their own lives. It had been a hard day and I was at my wit's end. Then my older sister, also a teacher, handed me a book of your poetry. I spent the rest of my evening reading your poems and laughing out loud at the all-too-true descriptions you gave of teaching. I am now an advocate of your works when talking to my English friends, most of whom are going into teaching. I'm sure you've heard it before, but you've managed to bring so much laughter and help to student teachers who aren't sure if they've made the right career choice. Thank you, Mr. Mali, for your poetry and your convictions. You've truly made me look forward to a job I never imagined I would take part in.

I used to really listen to my former teachers and my family friends (who are teachers) when they complained and whined about their profession. I had almost decided that teaching wasn't for me, until I heard someone talk about your poem. I Google'd it the next day and read it with amazement. It brought me to tears. I am now in my first year doing a Bachelor of Primary Education in Australia. After completion of my first semester, I am thoroughly enjoying it and came across your poem again when doing an e-Portfolio. I included an extract of your poem in my portfolio. I hope to make a difference too.

Although I have been striving to be a teacher since high school, watching, listening to and reading your poems sends shivers throughout reaffirming for myself, "That is why I want and love to teach.” I originally wanted to teach high school students because I felt that is where they learn the most about being global citizens and humans. However, after a recent practicum in a kindergarten/grade 1 class I have come to see that it doesn't matter the age you teach, the difference you make on them can be seen. And that is the most satisfying thing a person can receive.

I am in the process of becoming a teacher. My concentration is history but that is not the only thing I would like to teach. I want to teach students that before you can accept anyone else’s opinion you have to accept your own. I want to teach them what has been taught to me, that history is not a set of facts as it has been presented to them for their entire lives, but rather history is a set of interpretations and that no one has the golden word. I want to teach them to question, always question, because even teachers can get it wrong. Recently I cam across your video on youtube "What Teachers Make" and was so impressed i decided to visit your website to find out more. Once I leave college, I would like nothing more than to be able impress upon others the knowledge and values that have embedded within me.

I am so relieved that someone shares my opinions on things. I believe that students should be taught anything that a teacher can teach them to help them be better prepared for college or the working world. I have been told by several of my administrators that I am too tough on my kids, asking them to write 1,000 word essays, requiring them to take notes (as in a lecture class), not letting them turn in late work with out an excuse, etc.. I'm not there to be their friend or to spoon feed them the knowledge they need to succeed in life. They must want learn that themselves. My students know that they can come to me about anything and I will help them anyway I can. Your poem "What Teachers Make" reminded me that as long as I know I am making a difference in these children's lives, it doesn't matter if administration thinks I am "too hard" on them. I push them to do there very best on everything that they do and most of them surpass all of my expectations while many of them do their best and are willing to try to do even better. I don't let my kids get by with the shit they get by with in other teachers classes. They know to GET my respect, they have to GIVE me respect. I know I sound like I probably teach a core class but I don't. I am the theatre and speech teacher. I grade papers more in depth than most English teachers do and I require all of my students to be respectable young adults, not just kid's that I am a glorified babysitter of. I want you to know that I think what you are doing is great!! My students are asked to speak their minds in my class. They are told not to be afraid to be themselves. My classroom door even says, "When you lose your mask, you'll find yourself." They MUST leave their alternate personality at the door. Your poems prove that positive things can come from speaking ones mind. Keep doing what you’re doing!! You are making a change in the education world that needed to be done years ago.

First I heard the poem “What Teachers Make”, then I bought the CD “Like Free Zone”. The poem had inspired me, but as soon as I opened the CD, to see a girl standing at a map of the world with “teach me” written on her eyelids, I KNEW that was what I wanted to do. Now I have made the big move from Texas to New York City, and will be the newest poet teaching Algebra and Geometry in the Bronx. I’ve always wanted to change things, make the world a better place – and as a teacher, I get to be a part of that through my students. I don’t just want to talk about the change the world needs, I want to BE the change. Hopefully I can inspire my students the way Taylor has inspired me.

I'm a 19 years old Brazilian girl who's studying to become a Portuguese teacher. Just last week I had to teach some kids as part of my university studies, and it was amazing. I was so excited that I decided to search for more stuff about teaching in the Internet - that's when I found your poems. Yes, we live in different contexts, but the act of teaching is universal. Your texts helped me confirm: this is definitely what I want to do in life.

I'm fluent in American Sign Language and have a real passion for it, and I decided that I wanted to be a teacher for the deaf, and work with special needs children (since sign language is often used with autistic people who have difficulty communicating). The first thing my parents said was, "you're never going to afford the down payment on a house that way." I was extremely tempted to throw the salad I was eating at them, but it was a really good salad, and thus I decided against it. So instead I took them to my computer and played them "What Teachers Make." I think it was then that they really began to understand why I love teaching so much, and why the small pay doesn't matter to me. Hell, I don't need to be able to afford food...teaching feeds me more than anything. (It's true, I had to give up my lunch period to continue my independent study in the special ed room.)I'll be starting soon at Bloomsburg (if I get in!) majoring in elementary education with a double major in special education, and a concentration in deaf education, possibly with a minor in creative writing or gender studies. So even though I'm not a certified teacher yet, I still teach and your poems really inspired me to get where I am and where I'm going. Thank you.

I first heard "Taylor Mali" in the context of some serious slam-poet-name-dropping in Seattle. Taylor Mali.... Taylor Mali.... Initially I just liked the fact that he sounded like an African dictator. When I moved to New York, Taylor essentially dictated what I did with my Thursday nights. I got hooked on the Urbana Slam [which is now Tuesdays at the Bowery Poetry Club (308 Bowery, between Houston & Bleecker, F train to Second Ave, or 6 train to Bleecker)]. I had been sipping on the idea of teaching--gargling and swishing it around in my mouth--but I wasn't quite ready to swallow. Like giving a would-be smoker an ashtray, Taylor pushed me over the edge with his poetry. In my opinion, it is his hybrid nature that makes him both a mic-gripping powerhouse and an inspiration. Taylor helped me see that my teaching dreams were not mutually exclusive to my other ambitions. I recognized that as a writer, I could become a better teacher, that as a relief worker I could become a better teacher...that flourishing as an individual would breathe life into my role as an educator.

I am in the Early Childhood Program working on my AA and I would like to use your gifts in my craft. I am not sure where this journey is going to take me but I love what I do, think you’re amazing. I am always looking for inspiration because people don't understand the importance working with little children. Thank you for your time.

I love kids. Sit down with any number of them and they can teach you more than you've learned your entire life. I had two reasons for wanting to be a teacher. 1) I wanted to see kids learn, grow, and develop and 2) I've seen many teachers give up on students that should have been given more chances or at least ANY chance. I wanted to make a difference. At university our professors inspire us by telling us to constantly try new techniques, try new methods, and always work hard. On the contrary, in our placements it's a different story. My cooperating teachers tell me to give up on students because it's already been half the year and they haven't improved. I've had cooperating teachers tell me to forget about helping the students that need extra help, because I am not going to make a difference. It's hard going from the two extremes, hearing we can make a difference to seeing how schools aren't willing to change anything or to even let us try. After being in a couple inner city schools I started to question of anything I did was ever worth it...some of these kids don't eat, can't sleep in a comfortable space, get beaten...they have a million more problems than completing a math assignment. Ultimately, I love teaching children and I've promised myself to never become the teachers I have met. Your poetry about teaching keeps me going.

I've always had an ambition to help people and open their eyes to the elements around them. I started writing poetry in high school because an English teacher I had opened my eyes to the wonderful world of creative writing. 5 years later, because of her inspiration, I now have a book of poetry published with others on the way. When I stumbled across your "What Teachers Make" poem, it opened my eyes as well. Teaching is one of the most important, yet underrated, professions in the world. If it weren’t for teachers...the worldwouldn't have doctors, lawyers, or...even teachers. Poetry is sadly a dying genre and doesn't even have much shelf room in bookstores anymore. Most kids are also not exposed nearly enough to creative writing and poetry, and something needs to be done about this. I'm not claiming that I will change the world....but to open up a handful of students' eyes would mean the world to me. Both yourself as well as my teacher in high school opened my eyes to writing poetry and the importance of teaching, so I would like to continue the inspiration on my own and make a difference in the lives of future students.

I would like to say that "What Teachers Make" has reinforced my decision to become a teacher in the future. I want to make a difference in somebody’s life. I feel that teaching is one of the most incredible job choices available for those who wish to commit to the lives of others in the name of education. Being an Eagle Scout, I do have experience with teaching younger boys how to do particular acts like tying knots, making fires, first-aid, communication skills, citizenship, and moral ethics and I will say this: The pleasure of reaching to those kids in such a unique was is unlike anything I have ever experienced before. My father tells me I should apply my skills in chemistry to a higher paying career because teachers are not well paid. My mother tells me that I should consider an alternate college-route from teaching. I tell myself that I want to change the lives of others in an insurmountable fashion. I can either create a miracle drug and make insurmountable amounts of money or I could teach the boy or girl who will make that miracle drug. If I choose to teach, then the only compensation that I want to receive is the remembrance of having taught that individual. Thank you for telling me exactly what I wanted to hear, Mr. Mali. Thank you, so much. In the attachment, I have a picture of the group of volunteers from my scout troop and the finished product of my eagle scout project. I am located on the far right with the red jacket. Having coordinated that was one of the greatest achievements of my life, and I think back on it almost every day. It has been teachers like you that I want to strive to become, Mr. Mali. Because of teachers with your type of caliber, dedication, and hard work, I want to become one. Thank you, again.

I have wanted to teach since I was six years old, only it used to be dance. I wanted to teach kids how to move and be happy, but physically I could not keep up with the rigorous movements of dance, and had to change my path. English has been my passion for as long as I can remember. I related to Dr. Seuss and Shell Silverstein, and funny poems in For Laughing Out Loud. Poems, songs, and books filled my world, I wrote creative stories carefully looping letters together, and getting paper cuts from the dictionary since spelling was not a gift I was given. I am a senior in High School, aspiring to teach the subject of English, and maybe even Drama. In Poetry class today we were watching slams to inspire our own, while I had already penned mine, I was looking for technique, and when you performed “What Teachers Make,” I actually got more emotional then I had anticipated. All year my family, friends, peers have been saying things like ‘I hope you know you are getting into a starving career,’ or ‘I hope you don’t expect fancy dinners every night.’ It was discouraging; it still is, hearing salaries when it was never about that for me. I want to reach out and touch the youth that will run this nation one days lives, I want to inform, reform, and I plan on working very hard to get there. When I heard your slam, your poem, it was an awaking, I had a connection to your words and showed it to everyone I know. I will be a teacher, and will share your poem, your message, I will reach out and make a difference and that means so much more than any amount of zeros that could ever appear on a check. I would like to thank you for this poem, it was not just humorous, it was inspirational and something I will always keep in my back pocket when the road to my goal gets rough. Thank you so much Mr. Mali, for the poem, and for doing what you do.