I had the opportunity to see the movie "Freedom Writers" over my J-term break. It was an excellent movie and is currently one of my favorites. I really feel as though I can relate to that teacher; I aspire to be a teacher in the near future, only I prefer to be an middle school English or elementary teacher.
This movie was very inspiring. It makes me realize how important it is for teachers to get to know their students outside of the classroom (i.e. personal, family, extra-curricular). The teacher in "Freedom Writers" was a first-year teacher with no previous experience. She was placed in probably the most difficult situations in which a first-time teacher could be placed--or any teacher for that matter. It takes place back in the 1990s, I believe, during the Rodney King revolts in Los Angelas, California. During this time, racism was a critical issue. If you were not White then your life was pretty much jeopardize if you should come in contact with an opposing race--one that is not your own. This means that Hispanics, African-Americans, Latinos, Chinese-Americans were all at risk. The teacher's goal in this movie is to inspire her students to want to learn--because in the beginning, they do not really care that they are getting an education and do not see its advantages. The teacher is very successful in unifying her classroom; making the students overcome the differences between races and see that they all have something in common, despite the difference in ethnicity/race.
It really is a great movie, one in which I highly recommend, especially to potential teachers/educators. The movie shows that if we all work together and forget or appreciate the differences between ourselves and others, then we can make a difference; be heroes.
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I recently went to see "Freedom Writers" also. It is good to see that you connected the movie to information about the time period. While I was watching it, I was fascinated with what she was doing. I know several students from Luther who went on to teach in some "inner city" schools. It is important for teachers to find ways that students will be more engaged. The teacher was a prime example of what needs to happen in order to get students to want to learn. After this stage, it becomes discussion. I am glad to see that you had the same reaction to the movie as I did.
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