If you can keep your head when all about you Is confusion, mischief, questions and noise, And quickly bring order out of chaos, Without threatening, shouting, or losing your poise. If you can wait and not be tired by waiting. For a child to master a simple number sum, Or remember an oft repeated word in reading, And not allow yourself to think, "He's dumb." If you can see your pupils deep in study, Except one who's deep in daydreams, not books, And remember great deeds begin with thinking, And not wilt that budding genius with a Withering look. If you can convince a doubting, angry mother, That her child's actions can lead only to defeat, And that his welfare to you is all important, And have a trust friend next time you meet. If you can create within your classroom, An atmosphere of interest, respect and cheer, Where each child is a star in his own fashion, In a command performance each day of the year. If you can remember that Johnny, Susie, Mary Share a bond by virtue of a common name, But never once compare their achievements God-given talents are not equal nor the same. If you can force your patience, smile, and good humor, To serve their term long after you think they're gone, And enter your classroom each morning, With the hope that somehow you'll manage to hold on! If you can bear to see your plans so thoughtfully written, Become just a scrap of paper to throw away, Because of some unexpected interruption, And think, "I'll make it up some other day." If you can fill the unforgiving minute, With sixty seconds of understanding, wisdom, love, You'll be counted as a successful teacher, And there'll be no challenge you can't rise above. |