19 pages • 38-minute read
What Teachers Make
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Further Reading & Resources
Related Poems
“How Falling in Love is like Owning a Dog” by Taylor Mali (2002)
Written and performed in 2002, “How Falling in Love is Like Owning a Dog” is part of Mali’s first full-length collection, What Learning Leaves. The poem explores and celebrates love, while also exploring deeper themes concerning relationships. To better understand Mali’s voice and subjects as a poet, reading and analyzing this poem is essential.
“Totally like whatever, you know?” by Taylor Mali (2002)
Also part of his first collection, “Totally like whatever, you know?” is a spoken word slam poem written in the voice and vernacular of popular speech. Mali pinpoints today’s generation as being without conviction, primarily through their speech (for example, relying too heavily on words like “like”). The poem argues that without declarative speech, how can this generation ever question authority?
“Dear Future Generations: Sorry” by Prince Ea (2015)
This spoken word piece, written and performed by Prince Ea, is a strong slam poem to read alongside “What Teachers Make.” Both pieces use passion, rhythm, and rhyme to debate present day political and social issues.
Further Literary Resources
What Teachers Make: In Praise of the Greatest Job in the World by Taylor Mali (2013)
This collection of essays published in 2013 explores Mali’s thoughts on the importance of education and the art of teaching. Noted as being highly inspirational, this inspiring book seeks to celebrate teachers and explore their value in society. It is a must-read to better understand the position Mali takes in his poem of a similar title, “What Teachers Make."
“Slam Poet’s Muse in Teaching” by Stacy Decker (2007)
This article in Education Week explores Mali’s background as an educator and his inspiration for writing “What Teachers Make.” Mali has inspired teachers all over the world through his poetry and lectures. This piece explores some of those who were inspired to follow in his footsteps.
“Q & A with Taylor Mali” by Patricia J. Murphy (2022)
This recent Q & A published in Publishers Weekly offers valuable insight into Mali as a teacher, poet, and author. In this article, Mali answers questions such as “What came first for you, writing poetry or teaching?” and “Outside of dancing, what else do you do during your poetry workshops?” This is a valuable read for anyone seeking to learn more about Mali and gain insight into how he thinks.
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