There have been a lot of movies about teaching and teachers. I have included only the ones that I have seen, with one exception. These are some of the best. I have included a very brief summary and my own comments.
Stand and Deliver - A true-life story of a Los Angeles high school teacher who drives his students on to excellence at calculus. This is an inspiring movie.
Dangerous Minds - Based on the true-life story of a first-time high school teacher assigned to a class of tough but smart inner city students. When conventional methods fail to reach them, the feisty teacher tries the unconventional -- defying the rules and creating her own curriculum. In the process, she instills a new self-confidence in her students -- motivating them toward their greatest potential. This was very good. It may be the best role I've ever seen Michelle Pfeiffer in.
The Miracle Worker - The story of Helen Keller and teacher Annie Sullivan. Both actresses won Oscars for their performance in this movie.
Music of the Heart - A single mother with little more than talent and the determination to make a difference, Roberta Guaspari overcame the skepticism of everyone who didn't think she should be teaching violin to students in a tough inner-city neighborhood. Bye-the-way, the man who scored this movie is a local guy and a client of my video business.
The Hobart Shakespeareans - The Hobart Shakespeareans is a delightful profile of one phenomenal teacher and his eager students who together touchingly demonstrate the power of education. I just read one of the teacher’s books and this movie is next on my list.
Dead Poets Society - English professor John Keating, a passionate iconoclast who changes his students' lives forever when he challenges them to live life to the fullest and "Carpe Diem" -- seize the day. Keating's unconventional approach meets with irrepressible enthusiasm from his students, but the faculty at staid, exclusive Welton Academy prep school is, to put it mildly, not amused. This is one of my favorite movies.
Mr. Holland’s Opus - Glenn Holland is a passionate musician who dreams of composing one truly memorable piece of music. But reality intrudes when he reluctantly accepts a "day job" as a high school music teacher to support his family. In time, however, Mr. Holland realizes that his real passion is teaching, and his legacy is the generations of young people he inspires. Very good.
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