7 movies that redefine education and inspire

Have you ever had a teacher whose lessons and conversations went beyond the classroom and remained ingrained in your mind years after you left school? I have, and I couldn’t be more grateful for it. While some of my best teachers who I could hug at any time of the day, cry to, play pranks on, and learn about life from, were from school or college, I learned many a thing from teachers in movies. For instance, Julia Roberts and Robin Williams inspired me more than any textbook could; their characters redefined education. Read on for a list of movies with teachers that went the unconventional way and transformed the lives of every lost and out-of-bounds student. 

Dead Poets Society 

“We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. Medicine, law, engineering, these are noble pursuits necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.”—John Keating.

What happens when a lover of literature, romance, and poetry and an open-minded English teacher joins an elite, all-male, conservative preparatory school? It wreaks havoc at first and then an unbelievable transformation. Directed by Peter Weir and starring Robin Williams, the film follows the story of an English professor who teaches students about life through poetry. He encourages them to go against the norm and question the status quo to live a life filled with passion and purpose. 

Mona Lisa Smile 

Starring Julia Roberts, Mona Lisa Smile follows the story of 30-year-old Katherine Ann Watson, an art history professor who joins Wellesley College to teach young women the subject. Set in ’60s America, where a woman was expected to graduate, marry and raise children, Watson teaches her students about a life beyond marriage. She does it through art, countless arguments and discussions in the classroom, and an unending pursuit to transform her students’ thinking. 

Hichki

This Rani Mukerji starrer, is a novel film for Indian cinema. It follows the story of a teacher diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome but doesn't allow the disability to come in the way of her dream to teach. When St Notker’s School inducts her to teach a class of rebellious ninth graders who didn’t care about learning, she reinvents the regular form of learning. For a teacher who is met with mockery at first to one who was able to transform an entire class of students through application-based education—the film is inspiring, to say the very least. 

Freedom Writers 

I watched this film in ninth grade, and we were learning about the impact of the Second World War. The film, directed by Richard LaGravenese is based on the true story of a teacher named Erin Gruwell, who joins a racially and ethnically divided classroom, filled with students who were members of gangs, and regularly carried guns with them. As Gruwell realises run-of-the-mill methods will not get her anywhere, she attempts to create a curriculum that not only teaches students history, language, and culture but also peace, unity, equality, and integrity. 

Coach Carter 

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world.”

Based on a true story, Coach Carter follows the journey of Richmond High School’s basketball coach Ken Carter, who is disappointed in the team's mind-set. Carter takes it upon himself to transform the team into champions. His belief that sports develop and bring out one’s character is reaffirmed as he mentors the players beyond the game and basketball court. He encourages a well-rounded lifestyle with good academic performance and teaches them life values. 

Wonder 

Some movies offer the perfect combination of lessons, laughter, tears, and love; Wonder is one of those. The film tells the story of a young boy (Auggie Pullman) with Collins Syndrome and how he navigates his way finding friends and fitting in. The teacher Mr Browne, who has a small but significant role in his own ways tries to create a safe and comfortable space for Pullman. His classes begin with reading precepts or quotes aimed to teach kindness, non-judgment, and honesty in students. He is a keen observer and wants to be the most supportive person to all his students. 

Taare Zameen Par 

What more can be said about a movie that inspired thousands across generation in India? Starring Aamir Khan, Taare Zameen Par highlights the fundamental problems of the Indian education system through the eyes of a young boy dealing with dyslexia. The race for ranks and the constant pressure to be the topper is a common conflict in many households. But when art teacher Aamir Khan begins to teach through an unconventional method, onlookers realise the need to unlearn and learn a child's many facets, their education, and more.