Being a teacher is more than just teaching students different subjects or languages. A teacher by passion encourages his students to pursue their dreams, be resilient, think critically, and embrace their passions. A teacher by passion can even have a huge impact on the students’ personalities and make the world a better place. That’s why many movies about teachers tackle psychological and social issues. Moreover, they can help you cope with stress and unwind just like gambling at 22Bat. At the same time, they present interesting and empowering real-life scenarios. Here are five of the best inspirational movies about teaching.
“Dead Poets Society” (1989)
The film tells the story of John Keating (Robin Williams), who becomes a teacher of diction in a prestigious boarding school. Because of orthodox conventional teaching, the students are gradually losing their interest in learning. John’s teaching is completely different. He is open-minded and opinionated, and his passion for teaching keeps students engaged. John exposes his students to new ideas and helps them have a broader perspective on life. One day the teacher decides to organize a secret circle, “Dead Poets Society”. Its participants not only enhance their engagement with poetry but embark on an interesting journey to discover themselves and get closer to their dreams.
“Mona Lisa Smile” (2003)
A talented teacher can not only encourage students to learn better, but completely change the way they see the world, and even reshape traditional gender roles. “Mona Lisa Smile” follows the teaching journey of art history teacher Katherine Anne Watson (Julia Roberts). Set in the 1950s, the movie tackles the theme of traditional female gender roles.
Views of the new teacher completely differ from those of most of her colleagues. If those believe that women should be only wives and mothers, Katherine is sure that women can also build successful careers. The teacher begins an open struggle for equality and even changes the views of some students, including Joan (Julia Stiles) and Elizabeth (Kirsten Dunst). Her journey changes not only the lives of her female students but also Katherine herself. They all find their true selves through belief in their dreams and determination.
“The Chorus” (Original: Les Choristes, 2004)
Events unfolded in 1949 in France. Failed musician and music teacher Clement Mathieu (Gérard Jugnot) struggles to find a job and then becomes a supervisor at a boarding school for troubled teenagers. The work is not easy, and Clement has to face many difficulties as well as the confrontation between him and the headmaster Rachin. He uses harsh and even cruel methods of educating students. Mathieu decides to intervene and change the existing rules in the boarding school. To do it indirectly, he organizes a choir. But singing is not the most important task. Clement will do everything to get to know his students better and help them cope with problems.
“The Ron Clark Story” (2006)
This movie is worth watching at least to make sure that the outstanding comedic actor Matthew Perry can play not only comic roles. Perry’s hero Ron Clark is a school teacher. He worked in a provincial school in a small town in North Carolina but decided to leave his homeland and move to New York to build a career there. But the new class is not very friendly and doesn’t accept Ron at first. The new teacher does his best to help teenagers cope with their problems and find themselves. Gradually, students begin to strive for knowledge and open up to the new teacher. By the way, the movie is based on real-life events.
“Freedom Writers” (2007)
This awesome and inspirational movie is based on the true story of Erin Gruwell, who was the English teacher at Woodrow Wilson Classical High School. Played in the movie by Hilary Swank, Erin believes that by becoming a teacher at the local school, she will gain invaluable experience and learn to communicate with children. But Erin’s plans are derailed when she realizes who she’ll be working with. Her students are at-risk students from an extremely dangerous neighborhood and members of rival gangs. To help the students change their lives, Erin uses unconventional teaching methods and has to find a connection with her students. She encourages them to receive higher education and not to give up.
Of course, there are many other enlightening and inspirational movies about teachers and students, but these are worth a watch. These are stories about compassionate people who didn’t get demotivated after struggles and wanted to make the world a much better place. Empathy and hard work can help us rise above our circumstances, succeed, and become better people.