10 Best and Inspiring Movies About Teachers
A teacher has an important role in providing knowledge to their students, facing a journey filled with demands and challenges. Not only do they have to deal with the diverse personalities of their students, but they also have to ensure that the knowledge they give is thoroughly understood.
Teaching is a noble task, which makes teachers worthy of the unsung hero title. They enable us to acquire knowledge outside of our homes. In this context, Showpoiler compiled a list of must-watch movies centered on teachers.
1. Precious
The life of Claireece "Precious" Jones, an African-American teenager living in Harlem in the 1980s, was tragic. Born into poverty, Precious suffered physical and emotional abuse at the hands of her mother. In fact, she was also raped by her own biological father and gave birth to two children.
During her second pregnancy, Precious' school principal arranged for her to attend an alternative school. This is where Precious meets Miss Rain, a very compassionate teacher who is determined to catalyze positive change in Precious' life.
Using a gentle yet firm approach, Miss Rain manages to rekindle Precious' thirst for knowledge and personal growth, despite the tough challenges she faces.
In addition to academic instruction, Miss Rain imparts invaluable life lessons that include self-esteem, self-confidence, and the power to overcome adversity.
2. Akeelah and the Bee
Akeelah Anderson, a young black girl, has an incredible talent for spelling. Unfortunately, her talent lacked support from her environment and those closest to her. Fortunately, Dr. Joshua Larabee, a professor and former spelling champion, recognized Akeelah's potential and was determined to mentor her.
With Dr. Larabee's guidance, Akeelah began intense training for a national spelling competition. Dr. Larabee proved to be a mentor who not only honed Akeelah's spelling skills, but also boosted her confidence.
During the competition, Akeelah faced a formidable opponent in Dylan. The boy was under intense pressure from his father to win. This is where Akeelah's inner struggle unfolds, as she struggles with the choice between staying true to her dreams or giving in to Dylan's expectations.
3. School of Rock
Not all teacher-centered movies have to be serious, for example the movie "School of Rock" adds a touch of comedy to the genre. Jack Black, who is known for his comedic roles, plays Dewey Finn in this movie.
Dewey Finn, a struggling musician without a steady job, finds an opportunity to work as a substitute teacher one day. Without hesitation, he takes the opportunity.
The school where Dewey teaches has strict rules, and the students are very disciplined. Instead of following conventional teaching methods, Dewey introduced his students to the world of music.
Surprisingly, Dewey discovered that his students had incredible musical talent. He then formed a band with them and encouraged their participation in music competitions.
Despite his initial selfish motives, Dewey Finn developed into a very influential teacher for his students. He inspired them to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams.
4. Freedom Writers
Directed by Richard LaGravenese, "Freedom Writers" is set in Long Beach, California, after the 1992 racial riots. The movie tells the true story of Erin Gruwell (Hilary Swank), a new teacher assigned to a class of students with turbulent and troubled backgrounds.
Recognizing the ineffectiveness of conventional teaching methods, Gruwell seeks innovative approaches to connect with her students, including encouraging them to keep journals that record their life experiences. Through unwavering dedication and tireless effort, Gruwell managed to reshape her students' perspectives and transform their lives.
Erin Gruwell not only provides academic knowledge, but also teaches important values such as tolerance and understanding. She inspires her students with the belief that every individual has the capacity to change their own destiny.
5. Dead Poets Society
When it comes to teacher-themed movies, Dead Poets Society is a must-watch. Directed by Peter Weir, the story takes place in a conservative boys' institution, Welton Academy, in 1959.
The narrative centers on John Keating, a new English teacher played by Robin Williams. Keating introduces unconventional and inspiring teaching methods, challenging his students to break free from conventional norms and recognize the freedom of thought inherent in every individual.
One of Keating's sources of inspiration was the formation of the "Dead Poets Society", a club that encouraged unlimited exploration of poetry, philosophy, and self-expression.
The movie not only explores how education can encourage freedom of thought, but also underscores the struggles faced by educators seeking to reform an outdated and rigid education system.
6. To Sir, with Love
Mark Thackeray (Sidney Poitier) transforms from an engineer to a teacher at an East London secondary school. Thackeray initially struggles with a group of troubled students who show little enthusiasm for learning. However, he chooses to treat them as mature individuals.
In his role as a teacher, Thackeray imparted valuable life skills and taught important values that enabled his students to become constructive contributors to society. Through unconventional methods, he managed to change his students' views on education and life.
7. Lean on Me
Released in 1989 and directed by John G. Avildsen, Lean on Me stars Morgan Freeman as Joe Clark, a principal assigned to revitalize Eastside High School in Paterson, New Jersey.
Eastside High School is known for its poor academic performance, common drug use, and rampant violence. To discipline his students, Clark used harsh and unconventional teaching methods, including giving directions through a megaphone and, using a baseball bat as a disciplinary tool. He did not hesitate to expel 300 students involved in drugs, violence, and those who had not graduated for years.
Despite resistance from students, Clark's unconventional approach eventually paid off. The graduation rate at Eastside High School soared, and the behavior of the unruly students gradually changed for the better.
8. Stand and Deliver
Directed by Ramón Menéndez and released in 1988, this movie was inspired by the true story of Jaime Escalante, a math teacher at a high school in East Los Angeles.
Escalante was determined to change the lives of his students who were mostly Hispanic immigrants and low-income. She taught them advanced calculus and prepared them for the challenging Advanced Placement (AP) exams.
Through his unique teaching methods, Escalante succeeded in instilling confidence and eliminating doubt among his students, and inspired them to pursue academic excellence.
Stand and Deliver is a real proof of the transformative power of a dedicated teacher in guiding students towards brighter educational prospects and a better future.
9. To Be and to Have
This French documentary reveals the heartfelt story of a small rural primary school in France and its only teacher, Georges Lopez. Through the lens of director Nicolas Philibert, audiences witness the deep bond between teacher and student, as the teacher takes a central role in the lives of the children.
This movie provides an insight into how strong the connection between teachers and their students can be through love and patience. When this bond is strong, teachers can seamlessly impart a variety of lessons, covering both academic knowledge and important life values.
10. Goodbye, Mr. Chips
The phrase "old but gold" perfectly summarizes this classic film released in 1939. Charles Chipping, affectionately called Mr. Chips, is a dedicated teacher who has devoted half a century of his life to educating boys in a school in England.
Initially, Mr. Chips began his teaching career as a quiet young instructor who struggled to connect with his students. However, over the years, he experienced a remarkable transformation, becoming a teacher who was highly respected and loved by his students.
Mr. Chips' journey as a teacher becomes an inspiring and touching story. The movie illustrates the lasting impact that a teacher can have on the lives and memories of students, even after they have grown up and left the school environment.
The movie which has a deep interpretation of the world of education, is a must-watch movie for the weekend. In this compilation, we feature a selection of inspiring and engaging teacher-themed movies. Which one would you choose to watch first?