Three Great Fictional Teachers

Teachers don’t just teach facts, they nurture souls for life.

In honor of all the teachers – in homeschool, private school, and public school settings – here are three of my favorite teaching movies.

Dead Poets Society (1989)

Robin Williams plays John Keating, a teacher with a heart for teaching his students to think critically and to have a passion for life.  He comes into a very structured prep school where he then proceeds to introduce a different structure for learning.  His lessons are a reminder that learning can be informative, applicable, and fun.

On a down side, there is also the question indirectly raised of how much is too much.  Keating encourages high school boys to embrace their passions as opposed to the strictly intellectual nature of the school.  However, there is danger in throwing off restraint and embracing passions without boundaries and without a strong framework of the wisdom of God.

Christy (1994)

Based on the novel by Catherine Marshall, this television series follows nineteen year old Christy Huddleston (played by Kellie Martin), as she leaves her sheltered life in the city to teach in the Appalachian community of Cutter Gap.  Finding herself surrounded by an unfamiliar culture, Christy learns that teaching involves reaching out to families and to an entire community.  Through the strength of God and the help of wiser Christians, she overcomes obstacles one step at a time.

Anne of Avonlea (1987)

I have to admit that this movie is my favorite due, in part, to the fact that Anne was both a teacher and a writer.  In this sequel to Anne of Green Gables (which covers the next two books in the L.M. Montgomery series), Anne (played by Megan Follows), pursues her dreams of teaching, writing, and adventure.  She wisely faces naughty boys and vindictive girls.  As with the other teachers in this list, Anne teaches to the whole person and to the whole community.  She holds firm to what she believes is right and is not too proud to recognize when she is wrong.  Along with John Keating, Anne teaching with creativity and passion.

When the teaching gets tough, remember the greater purpose – to impact souls and share the light of God with everyone you come into contact with.