American Teacher

Probably one of the most depressing films of the year, "American Teacher" is a documentary that follows a handful of schoolteachers struggling to contribute to a job they love while navigating the red tape of the U.S. educational system.

Directed by Vanessa Roth and Brian McGinn and narrated by Matt Damon, the film focuses on teachers such as the well-liked and pregnant first grade teacher Jamie Fiddler. Jamie is one of those kind and patient teachers that the kids love, but her exhaustion with the long days and little pay is taking its toll. Similarly, Rhena Jasey - a Harvard graduate - teaches in a NYC elementary school, but finds the financial rewards and lack of support from the educational system a hardship. She also admits that a large portion of her job revolves around being the kid's parent/friend/emotional support rather than educator.

The film follows a few other teachers - all with the same complaints. They spend their own money on classroom supplies (one paid $3000 her first year) and work over 70 hours a week in tutoring, classroom preparation, and grading papers. And with a salary that is tepid at best, it's hard to make ends meet. Eighty percent of educators have second jobs to help pay their bills. Eric Benner was not only a history teacher, he was a coach and had a job at the local Circuit City. This took its toll on his marriage (he ended up divorcing) and the relationships with his children whom he rarely saw.

For 80 minutes, this point is driven home in an informative documentary that unfortunately, winds up hopelessly dire. What is readily apparent is the lack of respect people have for educators in the U.S. and just how desperately there needs to be a change. When you find out that Finland has the best education system and not only is being a teacher a much more respected job than being a doctor, but also they are actually PAID to learn to be a teacher, you realize something is very, very wrong in this country. I'm not a proponent of home-schooling as I think the parents' carefully crafted bubble, in which it places children, can do a devastating disservice to their development in experiencing life outside; but I also understand now why parents would choose the option. Something has to change, and while one option is addressed toward the end of the film, there's still hopelessness to the proceedings.

Informative yes. Relentlessly sad, even more so.

Special features include more of the same: sound bites from teachers, education professionals, and others - all giving similar opinions and stories about our failing education system.

"American Teacher"
DVD
$24.95
www.firstrunfeatures.com