(NAME-MCE) Top 10 Top Inspirational Movies for Educators

[Bill Howe]

I happened to watch part of the movie Freedom Writers this weekend. It's
based on the true story of Erin Gruewell. It prompted me to think about
other "teacher" movies. I googled and found these. Any others to add? I am
preparing for a graduate MCE course I am teaching and want to give this out
as an optional assignment. I know people either love or hate some of these
movies. My assignment will be to critique a movie responding to whether the
student feels it reflects true life in the classroom, possible
stereotypes of students and teachers, good and bad teaching strategies, etc.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.



Top 10 Top Inspirational Movies for Educators

By Melissa Kelly, About.com



Educators need to be reminded of the importance of their jobs. Here are ten
movies that inspire us and make us feel proud to be in the field of
education where we really do have an impact. Enjoy!



1. Stand and Deliver

The classic teacher movie whose message is very important in today's
society: never believe that students are unable to learn. Instead of
teaching to the lowest common denominator, Edward James Olmos in a true
story as Jaime Escalante sets his sights much higher, getting them to pass
the AP Calculus exam. Excellent, enjoyable choice.

2. Dangerous Minds

Michelle Pfeiffer is excellent as real-life former marine Louanne Johnson.
Teaching English in a tough inner-city school, she reaches the "unteachable"
through caring and understanding. Very true-to-life, Dangerous Minds does
not fall into sentimentality but instead teaches us of the importance of
making our own choices and not allowing circumstances to rule us.

3. Lean on Me

Morgan Freeman plays Joe Clark, the real-life bat-wielding Principal whose
goal was to bring discipline and learning to Eastside High School in New
York. While he was not always the easiest on the teachers, it would sure be
nice if more Principals stressed the importance of discipline and learning
in their schools as he did. This film shows the importance of having strong
leadership at the top.

4. Mr. Holland's Opus

This memorable movie gives all teachers hope that they truly have an impact
on their students. Richard Dreyfuss is wonderful as a musician/composer who
must take a teaching job to support his family. In the end, Dreyfuss'
character realizes that he has had as much if not more of an impact from his
teaching as he would have as a composer.

5. Dead Poet's Society

Robin Williams gives an awesome performance as an unconventional English
teacher in a very conventional (read conservative) private school. His love
of poetry and his inspiring teaching methods have a great impact on his
students. The central message of the movie, to live life to the fullest
everyday, is not lost. Further, Williams' poetry recitations are
awe-inspiring.

6. To Sir With Love

Produced in 1967, this film with Sidney Poitier as a novice teacher has a
lot to teach us today. Poitier takes a teaching position in the rough part
of London in order to pay his bills. Realizing that his students need to be
taught important life lessons more than the curriculum he has been handed to
teach them, he throws out the lesson plans and makes a real impact on their
personal lives.

7. The Miracle Worker

The ultimate teaching miracle, Anne Bancroft is awesome as Annie Sullivan
who uses 'tough love' to get through to the deaf and blind Helen Keller
played by Patty Duke. Very few people can watch the famous 'water' scene
without experiencing a feeling of triumph and relief. Excellent portrayal of
the importance of perseverence. Both Bancroft and Duke won an Academy Award
for their performances.

8. Renaissance Man

Danny Devito's performance as a teacher of the 'Double-D's' is both humorous
and inspired. What appears to be a light-hearted comedy truly has a deeper
meaning. Devito's character proves that William Shakespeare still has much
to teach students. Surprisingly clean and somewhat corny at times,
Renaissance Man in the end teaches important life lessons on responsibility
and character.

9. Music of the Heart

This film shows the influence that one person's drive and vision can have on
others. Meryl Streep plays real-life Roberta Guaspari who moves to Harlem as
a single-mother and becomes a violin teacher. Working through racial and
other barriers, Roberta creates an acclaimed music program in an area where
many would have said it was impossible. Definitely a heart-warming movie.

10. The Karate Kid

While not normally thought of as a 'classroom' movie, The Karate Kid has
much to say to teachers: Sometimes we have to have our students do things
that they will not understand until much later; Basic skills are most
important; Honor and integrity are central to character; Students need to
see us beam with excitement over their achievements. A fun, nostalgic and
inspiring movie to relish.





Bill Howe
Asian Pacific American Coalition of CT http://apaact.com/
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