Teaching middle school is not for the faint of heart. But if you're called to do it, you know there's nothing else quite like it. Join us in discussing what works - and what doesn't.
Favorite Teacher Movie of All Time?
OK, so here's a thread with very little purpose other than to share some titles of movies that make us smile or think about our own profession.
Have a second? Then drop us a comment on your favorite teacher movie of all time!
I can't wait to hear what you have to say.
-Heather WG
Comments (112)
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Savior vs. Relationships
[quote]...and they always involve teen pregnancy as some plot twist, right? I agree. As far as teacher movies go, I"m not a big fan of the "savior movie" either, but I can't deny that it can be an easy "based on a true story" pitch. After all, we do make an impact on kids' lives every year, and those plots are out there, unfortunately, all the time.
But if we broaden our definition of teacher movie to enclose "School Movies," I would also say that I remember loving Mark Harmon in, wait for it...
SUMMER SCHOOL
It's true. I'm saying it with pride. And then there are a lot of movies that are less about the teacher and more about the kids which are also effective:
THE BREAKFAST CLUB
CLUELESS
Any thoughts, fellow middle schoolers?
-Heather WG[/quote]
You are soooooooo on track, Heather! Not only teen pregnancy, but someone always has to be killed, drugs are usually involved, there's someone who can't read, and, of course, the brilliant student who no one recognizes except .... (drum roll please) .... the "Savior Teacher"!
I have to say I'm with you on Summer School. There's something about the underachiever helping the underachievers achieve. (Say that 5 times fast! The Breakfast Club - one of my ALL time favorites! Of course I am a child of the '80s so I think it's required! And I though Clueless was adorable!
In the end, I find the best are ones that portray strong relationships.
Character, character, character
Isn't this what we always tell our students about their own narrative essays? It's all about characters and who they relate. Whether it's a sci-fi, fantasy, historical fiction, or young adult story, it's all about characters.
Thanks again for posting, Erika! I'm off to check out your other posts.
-Heather WG
Les Choristes (The Chorus)
"The new teacher at a severely administered boys' boarding school works to positively effect the students' lives through music." IMDb
This is a wonderful movie - I watched it 3 times in one day!(And more times after that.) It's in French with English subtitles but you get so involved in the movie you don't even notice. The music is divine, too.
Sold
JM,
Thanks for the movie suggestion. I'm so all over this! Can't wait to rent it.
-Heather WG
You are going to love it!
You are going to love it! Just thinking about it makes me want to rent it again!
You'll have to let me know how you like it.
The end all be all of teacher movies...
C'mon folks!
Goodbye Mr. Chips.... (1932?)
It still rings true...
:)
C'mon
Aw c'mon!
No Goodbye Mr. Chips??
I think the 1932? black and white version was best
Goodbye Mr. Chips
Duh! So true! I think about that movie every time I hear about a past-student who has joined the military or a current one who wants to. The war background of that film puts such a perfect timeline on the teacher's life. And don't you just love her too?
1939: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0031385/
Thanks for reminding us!
-Heather WG
Favorite teacher movie
Dead Poet Society did it for me. Of course, Robin Williams pretty much walks on water. What about his movie Patch? Not really a teacher movie so much as a student(Doctor)movie, but the student was the wise one.
The Best Places To Learn About (And View Video Clips Of) Teacher
This is a great blog post by Larry Ferlazzo, which lists:
:: The 15 most inspiring teachers in films.
:: The 15 worst teachers in the movies.
:: 9 Inspirational Movie Teachers.
:: Top 5 Best Teachers in the Movies.
:: 10 A+ Worthy Movie and TV Teachers
:: 10 Best Movie & Television Teachers
And much. much more!