Winter Holiday is a special time of the year when educators
and students alike take a break from attending school in order to celebrate the
holidays, rest and rejuvenate in preparation for the New Year. Unfortunately many students go home with
packets of work that they must complete and teachers carry large totes of
papers and projects home vowing to get caught up on all of the work there are
behind on.
Still, whether they planned to or not, many teachers find themselves in front of a TV, or a computer, vegging out and try to escape the stressors of the school year. This is not an entirely bad thing, movies can entertain, inspire, and even educate the viewer. So, whether for inspiration or escape, here is a list of movies that are great for urban educators to watch over the Winter Break (or anytime for that matter):
Still, whether they planned to or not, many teachers find themselves in front of a TV, or a computer, vegging out and try to escape the stressors of the school year. This is not an entirely bad thing, movies can entertain, inspire, and even educate the viewer. So, whether for inspiration or escape, here is a list of movies that are great for urban educators to watch over the Winter Break (or anytime for that matter):
1. Teacher of the
Year - this mockumentary pokes some serious fun at the ills of the U.S. educational
system by following the life of a teacher who is contemplating leaving his
school for a lobetter paying career after earning the title of “Teacher of the
Year." This film accurately
depicts many of the struggles both professional and private that teachers all
over the United States are facing as they try to navigate their careers. This film is perfect for teachers who feel like they are alone in their struggle to teach in adverse conditions.
2. American Promise
- this documentary gives a thorough examination of the education of
African-American boys through the story of two African-American boys who are
accepted in the prestigious Dalton School in New York City.
3. On the Way to
School - this documentary follows four children from different parts of the
world as they travel to school. This film
is great for students and teachers alike and can be a great teaching tool for
educators. (If you need an activity
sheet to go with this film, click here.)
4. Beasts of No
Nation - this controversial film depicts the life of a boy in an unnamed
war-torn African country, who becomes a child soldier caught in the life of
terrorism after being orphaned through the murder of his parents. This film ends with the young man enrolled in
a school for boys with his experience and it is a great reminder for educators
that every student in every class has a story.
Bonus: Dream School - "Dream School" is not a
movie, but a reality television series. It follows 15 high school students who are not successful in the traditional learning environment so they enrolled as the first class of a "dream" school which seeks to create the
optimal school experience. Using celebrity teachers and an innovative
curriculum, Dream School seeks to provide an inspirational model for transforming education, particulary for those students who are at risk for dropping out. It is a good investment for
those who have a lot of time on their hands would like to reflect on the
components of a great school.
So whether you look to reflect and refine your educational philsophy, or you are just looking for something worth spending your rare and valuable free time doing, check out these four inspirational, informative, and entertaining movies for teachers.
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