Top 5 Teacher Inspiring Must See Movies

For many teachers school is about to start and summer is coming to an end.  So, to help motivate my fellow educators I've created a TOP FIVE must watch movies to help motivate you for the coming school year.  Some of these movies are oldies but goodies, and some movies you may not have ever seen or associated with teaching...

#1 McFarland, USA - What teacher would not love this heart warming movie?   This movie is based upon actual events of teacher Jim White, played by Kevin Costner, who restarted a cross county team at McFarland High School.  White's passion for the running and teaching is demonstrated as he works across racial lines to inspire his latino runners to become not only better athletes, but better people.  

#2 The Dead Poet Society -  Robin Williams played an English teacher in a fictional 1959 conservative boarding school.  Williams' character, John Keating, is eventually removed from his teaching position, but not before leaving his mark on his students.  A truly inspiring movie remind us why we teach!

#3 Mr. Holland's Opus - This 1995 teacher flick centers upon the story of Glenn Holland, a high school music teacher who aspires to compose one great piece of music. But the plot twist turns out when Mr. Holland's great piece is not a single piece of music...At the same time, this movie is story of devotion of love of family, teaching, and music. Like number two, this movie will help us forget the long hours we devote to our students.

#4 The Reading Room - This is a teacher movie that not many teachers have seen, but really should!  James Earl Jones plays as widower who opens a reading room in a poorer section of town.  But despite his goodwill, problems in the neighborhood threatens the safe place for young people to learn.  Jones' character address the problems head-on. I will leave so as not to give any spoilers.

#5 The Secret Life of Walter Mitty: Alright, this is not your typical teacher movie, but hear me out.  Ben Stiller plays the outsider and odd Walter Mitty who is being picked upon by his supervisors.  So, think of the student who struggles socially, but has a good heart.  I think of these students when I watch Walter Mitty. and how teaching is so much more than academics as my students struggle to find themselves.  Also, the movie demonstrates perseverance in the face of difficult situations...similarly to what teaching is about.

Also, if you are needing quick sub activities, movie guides, or something to spice up your classroom teaching please check out Social Studies Super Store for quick solutions.