Blockbuster Teaching

With all of the hype focused on several educational documentaries on the crises in our public schools, I would like to pay homage to a special group of public school educators who made a REAL difference in their students’ lives. The stories of each of these educators caught the eye of Hollywood. Consequently, from 1981 to 2007, a movie was made depicting the stories of each of these educators.

There were several commonalities theses movies shared. In each movie, the educator was portrayed by a well-known veteran actor or actress; many of them won or were nominated for Oscars and Emmy awards. Each educator depicted was passionate, dedicated, yet caring to the needs of the students. Each educator depicted taught at a public school; one of the educators eventually created her own school. Each educator depicted overcame professional odds and made some sacrifices in their personal lives to make extraordinary contributions to education. Each educator depicted was certified and credentialed, and has devoted more than two years to the teaching profession.

So, without further adieu, this is my list of eight movies I categorized as Blockbuster Teaching:

The Marva Collins Story (1981-TV film) -- Marva Collins portrayed by Cecily Tyson

Hard Lessons: The George McKenna Story (1986-TV film) -- George McKenna portrayed by Denzel Washington

Stand and Deliver (1988) -- Jaime Escalante portrayed by Edward James Olmos

Lean on Me (1989) -- Joe Clark portrayed by Morgan Freeman

Dangerous Minds (1995) -- LouAnne Johnson portrayed by Michelle Pfeiffer

Coach Carter (2005) -- Ken Carter portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson

Fighting The Odds: The Marilyn Gambrell Story (2005-cable TV film) -- Marilyn Gambrell portrayed by Jaime Gertz

Freedom Writers (2007) -- Erin Gruwell portrayed by Hilary Swank

With the exception of Jaime Escalante, who passed away earlier this year, each of these educators continue to make a difference in the lives of kids and countless others, thanks to their Hollywood exposure.

So, educators, please remember these movies and watch them to inspire you to be better in your craft and deepen your passion to make a difference in the classroom and/or schoolhouse. For Blockbuster Teaching may become extinct in the next few years if ed deformers have their way...:(