AMERICAN TEACHER, A film by Vanessa Roth & Brian McGinn, Doc, 81 min., in Englis
Lake Worth Playhouse Stonzek Theatre Lake Worth, FL
As the debate over the state of America's public school system rages on, one thing everyone agrees on is the need for great teachers. Yet, while research proves that teachers are the most important school factor in a child's future success, America's teachers are so woefully underpaid that almost two thirds must divide their time between a second job in order to make a living.
Chronicling the stories of five teachers in different areas of the country, American Teacher reveals the frustrating realities of today's educators, the difficulty of attracting talented new teachers, and why so many of our best teachers feel forced to leave the profession altogether.
But this wake-up call to our system's failings also looks at possibilities for reform. Can we re-value teaching in the United States and turn it into a prestigious, financially attractive and desirable profession? With almost half of American teachers leaving the field in the next ten years, now is the time to find out.
"American Teacher raises important questions about America's teachers. It should spark a much-needed conversation." -Secretary of Education Arne Duncan
"Every policymaker should be required to see the new film American Teacher. Powerful, compelling!" - Mark Phillips, Washington Post
"As we watch the individuals in "American Teacher" struggle with the burdens the system places on them, it's hard not to feel like crying, both for them specifically and for our national culture. As one education authority laments after revealing his son's salary-based job choice, 'Something's wrong when selling cellphones is more important to society than being a teacher." - Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times
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