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Movie poster: American Teacher (2011)
🎬 Movie

American Teacher

2011 · 81 min Documentary History
5.7 / 10 · TMDB

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 a third must divide their time between a second job in order to make a living. Chronicling the stories of four 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 competitive profession? With almost half of American teachers leaving the field in the next five years, now is the time to find out.

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📋 Film Details

Year 2011
Country United States of America
Genre Documentary, History
Director Vanessa Roth
Runtime 81 min.
Rating TMDB: 5.7/10 (9 votes)

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🎬 MovieFinder's Take

The film constructs its argument through intimate portraits of educators, transforming data into palpable human struggle. By contrasting societal rhetoric about education with the grinding realities of underpaid professionals, it builds a compelling case for systemic failure.

What lingers after viewing is not just outrage, but a concrete sense of the sacrifice demanded from those who shape young minds. The film leaves us questioning what value we truly assign to foundational societal work. — MovieFinder Editorial

Director: Vanessa Roth

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Best Watched

Watch with a notebook handy, ideally followed by discussion. Perfect for educators and policy-minded viewers.

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