There is so much to learn from teachers that is not a part of the curriculum or that cannot be "taught" in the lesson plans in the classroom. Being a teacher cannot just be defined by the long hours, terrible pay, and minimal "thank yous." Yes, those are most definitely a part of the job...but being a teacher is so much more than that and there is so much more to learn about being a teacher.
Here are seven movies that teach some of the greatest parts about being an educator.
1. "Mona Lisa Smile" (2003)
In a world where women were meant to be housewives and mothers and nothing else, Professor Katherine Watson, makes it her job to show her female students that they can do whatever they put their minds to. This movie taught me the importance of forming an interest in your student's lives and keeping up with those interests. At the end of the day, it is important that every student should know that their teacher cares immensely for each and every one of them.
2. "Dead Poets Society" (1989)
Everyone fights their own battles and so it is the job as a teacher to take that into consideration with every interaction. This movie taught me how important it is to show your students how much you care while you still can. It also taught me that even if it doesn't seem like it, a teacher makes a huge impact on their student's lives.
3. "Wonder" (2017)
This movie taught me how cruel children can be and that as a teacher, you have to utilize your abilities to deescalate bullying as it occurs. No child should be ridiculed for something out of his or her control.
4. "Freedom Writers" (2007)
When students have been told they are stupid and insignificant all of their lives, they begin to believe it. When there is violence, death, and drugs all around them, they feel there is no other option than to participate. It is our job as a teacher to make students feel heard and important in the classroom. This movie taught me to never give up on your students. Even when it all seems hopeless and everything is against you making a difference in your student's lives, you have to keep going.
5. "Remember the Titans" (2000)
Being a role model for your students is crucial if you want to make a difference in their lives. This movie taught me how much a student can admire a teacher or a coach, in this case.
6. "Precious" (2009)
This movie taught me how to handle circumstances out of my control. As a teacher, I will be exposed to students of all different cultures, backgrounds, and stories. After all, every student deals with their own battles and as a teacher, I cannot change that. But I can be there.
7. "A Boy Called Po" (2017)
It is hard to teach something you don't understand... just as it is hard to teach someone that you do not understand. So, as a teacher, you have to try and understand each and every one of your students. This movie taught me about the very real difficulties of having special needs students. It shows that these students are worth fighting for and that just because they do not think the same way as "normal" students, does NOT mean they are not brilliant.
Being a teacher is so much more than the long hours, the low pay, and the minimal "thank yous." It is about inspiring people, changing lives, and seeing students make breakthroughs. All of which is "thank you" enough.
