Every year I watch two feel-good education movies before test time: Stand and Deliver (1988) and Lean on Me (1989). These movies give me that final push and motivation to teach to the finish line. The California Standards Test takes place every May and this year’s is right around the corner. The movies are well known so this post is intended mostly just to remind you of how powerful they are and that you should watch them again.
Stand and Deliver is based on a true story about Jaime Escalante, a high school teacher in Los Angeles. He faces what seem like insurmountable odds to foster high scores on the AP Calculus exam. He has to reach the kids on their level and he does. He works so hard to teach them he has a mild heart attack. Fortunately, the story ends with a very inspiring conclusion and always inspires me to teach with vision and inspiration until the end.
Lean on Me is also based on a true story. Morgan Freeman plays a high school principal faced with a similar challenge. He uses unorthodox techniques to get stellar results. The school rises to the state standard for them and is able to keep its accreditation. This is a hugely entertaining film that contains the very definition of good teaching: commitment despite adversity.
Public school teachers across the country take a standardized test each May. I recommend to teachers that they watch these two movies so you don’t break your stride. Your students rely on you to be encouraged and inspired when you enter the classroom.
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