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By Melissa Kelly, About.com Guide
Top 10 Top Inspirational Movies for Educators
inspirational movies teaching tips
Educators need to be reminded of the importance of their jobs. Here are ten movies that
inspire us and make us feel proud to be in the field of education where we really do have an
impact. Enjoy!
1. Stand and Deliver
The classic teacher movie whose message is very important in today's society: never believe
that students are unable to learn. Instead of teaching to the lowest common denominator,
Edward James Olmos in a true story as Jaime Escalante sets his sights much higher, getting
them to pass the AP Calculus exam. Excellent, enjoyable choice.
2. Dangerous Minds
Michelle Pfeiffer is excellent as real-life former marine Louanne Johnson. Teaching English in a
tough inner-city school, she reaches the "unteachable" through caring and understanding.
Very true-to-life, Dangerous Minds does not fall into sentimentality but instead teaches us of
the importance of making our own choices and not allowing circumstances to rule us.
3. Lean on Me
Morgan Freeman plays Joe Clark, the real-life bat-wielding Principal whose goal was to bring
discipline and learning to Eastside High School in New York. While he was not always the
easiest on the teachers, it would sure be nice if more Principals stressed the importance of
discipline and learning in their schools as he did. This film shows the importance of having
strong leadership at the top.
4. Mr. Holland's Opus
This memorable movie gives all teachers hope that they truly have an impact on their
students. Richard Dreyfuss is wonderful as a musician/composer who must take a teaching job
to support his family. In the end, Dreyfuss' character realizes that he has had as much if not
more of an impact from his teaching as he would have as a composer.
5. Dead Poet's Society
Robin Williams gives an awesome performance as an unconventional English teacher in a very
conventional (read conservative) private school. His love of poetry and his inspiring teaching
methods have a great impact on his students. The central message of the movie, to live life to
the fullest everyday, is not lost. Further, Williams' poetry recitations are awe-inspiring.
6. To Sir With Love
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Produced in 1967, this film with Sidney Poitier as a novice teacher has a lot to teach us today.
Poitier takes a teaching position in the rough part of London in order to pay his bills. Realizing
that his students need to be taught important life lessons more than the curriculum he has
been handed to teach them, he throws out the lesson plans and makes a real impact on their
personal lives.
7. The Miracle Worker
The ultimate teaching miracle, Anne Bancroft is awesome as Annie Sullivan who uses 'tough
love' to get through to the deaf and blind Helen Keller played by Patty Duke. Very few people
can watch the famous 'water' scene without experiencing a feeling of triumph and relief.
Excellent portrayal of the importance of perseverence. Both Bancroft and Duke won an
Academy Award for their performances.
8. Renaissance Man
Danny Devito's performance as a teacher of the 'Double-D's' is both humorous and inspired.
What appears to be a light-hearted comedy truly has a deeper meaning. Devito's character
proves that William Shakespeare still has much to teach students. Surprisingly clean and
somewhat corny at times, Renaissance Man in the end teaches important life lessons on
responsibility and character.
9. Music of the Heart
This film shows the influence that one person's drive and vision can have on others. Meryl
Streep plays real-life Roberta Guaspari who moves to Harlem as a single-mother and becomes
a violin teacher. Working through racial and other barriers, Roberta creates an acclaimed music
program in an area where many would have said it was impossible. Definitely a heart-warming
movie.
10. The Karate Kid
While not normally thought of as a 'classroom' movie, The Karate Kid has much to say to
teachers: Sometimes we have to have our students do things that they will not understand
until much later; Basic skills are most important; Honor and integrity are central to character;
Students need to see us beam with excitement over their achievements. A fun, nostalgic and
inspiring movie to relish.
Melissa Kelly
Secondary Education Guide
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