Are you studying education, either in an undergraduate or graduate program, aiming to start or advance your career in teaching? If that’s the case, consider watching these top American Movies for education majors—they offer valuable perspectives on the experiences of teachers and school administrators.
When the term ‘education’ comes up, most individuals tend to imagine being seated in a classroom or engaging in traditional studying. Yet, as someone majoring in Education, you’re probably aware that learning can take various forms, including through watching films.
For example, a study by researchers at the University of Lisbon in Portugal illustrates that emotions can enhance our mental state and that viewing movies can evoke positive feelings. This activity can also alter our worldview and boost our motivation levels.
Which kinds of movies can inspire future educators like yourself, encouraging you to not just impart knowledge to students, but to do so in a manner that may profoundly impact their lives? Below are some of the finest education-themed films to consider.
“Lean on Me”
Despite being released in 1989, “Lean on Me” continues to be a favorite among Education majors today, as it sheds light on the various challenges within the educational field. The film portrays the struggle with school administrators who fail to grasp the practicalities of teaching while meeting state-mandated objectives, and the effort to connect with students facing difficult home situations. Morgan Freeman’s character, Joe Black, takes on the role of a new principal at a chaotic school, both in its physical state and behavioral issues. The movie’s inspirational message suggests that, regardless of the hurdles encountered in an educational career, one can still profoundly influence others and motivate them to achieve remarkable things.
“Dead Poets Society”
Indeed, a significant portion of education occurs within the classroom, particularly when pursuing a diploma or degree. However, the 1989 film “Dead Poets Society” highlights the importance of unconventional teaching methods. In the movie, English teacher John Keating, portrayed by the late Robin Williams, one of the best Native American Actors, inspires his students to develop a deeper passion for learning by engaging in unconventional activities, such as tearing pages out of their textbooks and standing on their desks. These actions show them that looking at life from different perspectives is sometimes necessary to achieve their goals. Viewing this film underscores the idea that effective teaching—and discovering more about ourselves—sometimes involves adopting a non-traditional approach.
“Stand and Deliver”
“Stand and Deliver,” released in 1988 and inspired by a true story, follows the journey of Jaime Escalante, a math teacher at an East Los Angeles high school portrayed by Edward James Olmos. Escalante is determined to transform the school’s culture through encouragement and motivation, helping his students achieve their academic potential. However, their impressive achievements lead to suspicions of cheating rather than recognition of their hard work. What measures does Escalante take to alter these perceptions? You’ll need to watch the movie to discover the answer.
“Mr. Holland’s Opus”
Slightly more recent than the previous movies, “Mr. Holland’s Opus,” released in 1995, tells the story of a man named Glenn Holland (portrayed by Richard Dreyfuss) who becomes weary of his career as a professional musician. As a result, he takes on a new role as a music teacher. Not only does Holland encounter various challenges typical in the field of education—especially when teaching a subject that might not be valued as much by other educators, as is the case for Holland—but the film also depicts how these challenges can impact his personal life. This multifaceted story makes the film inspiring on many levels.
“Dangerous Minds”
“Dangerous Minds,” based on the autobiography “My Posse Don’t Do Homework,” tells the story of a retired U.S. Marine who faces the difficulties often encountered in the education field. LouAnne Johnson, portrayed by Michelle Pfeiffer, transitions from military life to a teaching role, only to discover that gangs and drug issues were barriers to connecting with her students, many of whom came from very different backgrounds. Johnson eventually develops a way to effectively engage her students and strives to make a significant difference in the classroom. And indeed, she succeeds in making a notable impact.
“Freedom Writers”
This 2007 film centers around Erin Gruwell (portrayed by Hilary Swank), who has just secured her first teaching role at a school in Long Beach, California. Previously celebrated for its high academic performance, the school underwent significant changes with a new integration program that introduced many students with limited literacy skills. Gruwell, determined to grasp the challenges faced by her new students—many of whom were entangled in gang activities—puts in considerable effort to connect with them and earn their trust. One approach she adopts is assigning them the task of keeping diaries, leading to the creation of Freedom Writers.
Final Thoughts
There are numerous insightful and thought-provoking films that not only reveal the realities of teaching but also showcase how incredible this profession is, as it has the power to transform lives for both students and educators. Selecting the most effective movies is crucial, presenting an exciting opportunity for your students overall. If you’re looking to incorporate these films into your curriculum or educational research, don’t hesitate to ask EssayHub.com to write my dissertation on the impact of educational movies. Give this approach a try by choosing a movie from the list mentioned, and you can be confident that the outcomes will be positive in the long run!