Teacher Appreciation: 10 Inspirational Films About Real-Life Teachers
We all have favorite teachers. Teachers who make learning exciting and fun, who push us out of our comfort zone, who challenge us to overcome obstacles and realize our dreams, who nurture us, who encourage us to believe in ourselves. To show our appreciation for these teachers, we’ve compiled a list of ten inspirational films that tell the stories of real-life teachers. These teachers are out in the world, and they’ve left their mark on generations of students. These are good movies for kids!
1. “Miss Connie’s Last Day” (short film)
A retiring preschool teacher receives a surprise from her students. “A teacher affects eternity: he can never tell where his influence stops.” – Henry Adams. Starring Peggy Lord Chilton.
Inspired by a true story, when Stacey Bess finally lands her first teaching job, she’s shocked and confused. Stacey is assigned to the “School With No Name”, a barren space in a homeless shelter with a mixture of kids of all ages and skill levels. Although her first instinct is to run like all the other teachers, she knows these children need her. Stacey must first tackle her own fears and insecurities as she works to earn the respect of her young students, ultimately providing them with the education and self-confidence they deserve. Starring Emily VanCamp, Steve Talley, and Treat Williams.
Front of the Class is the true story of Brad Cohen, a man with Tourette’s Syndrome who despite being ridiculed by teachers throughout his childhood for his inability to control his outbursts, had always dreamed of growing up and becoming a teacher himself. So that’s exactly what he did. After being rejected by twenty-four schools, Brad is finally hired and realizes his dream of becoming the teacher he never had. Starring Jimmy Wolk, Treat Williams and Patricia Heaton.
Set during the 1960s, this Emmy® nominated movie is about an idealistic, novice schoolteacher who comes to a small island off the coast of South Carolina with the hope of bringing literacy and self-respect to the undereducated, African-American children that reside there. With determination and an unconventional style, the new teacher strives to inspire the children and involve the entire community in their education. Starring Alfre Woodard,Frank Langella, and Jeff Hephner.
Mike Kersjes (John Corbett) is a high school special education teacher whose students have disabilities such as Tourette’s syndrome, Downs Syndrome, dyslexia and a variety of emotional problems. But that doesn’t stop Mike from believing that his students would benefit from going to NASA Space Camp, which had been specifically designed only for gifted and talented students; the best and the brightest from America’s most privileged high schools. With remarkable persistence, Mike breaks down one barrier after another, from his own principal’s office to the inner sanctum of NASA, until Space Camp finally opens its doors, on an experimental basis, to special ed students. After nine months of rigorous preparation, during which the class molded itself into a working team, they arrive at Space Camp, and turn in a performance so surprising that it will leave you breathless. Starring John Corbett, Jessy Schram, and Logan Huffman.
A music teacher (Meryl Streep) fights the schoolboard for a chance to teach violin to inner-city kids. Also starring Gloria Estefan, Aidan Quinn, Angela Bassett, and Cloris Leachman.
7. Freedom Writers
Based on the true story of idealistic teacher Erin Gruwell, Freedom Writers is about a young English teacher who inspires her class of at-risk students to learn tolerance, apply themselves, and pursue education beyond high school.
8. The Great Debaters
Denzel Washington’s second directorial outing is a drama based on the true story of Melvin B. Tolson, a professor at Wiley College Texas. In 1935, Tolson inspired students to form the school’s first debate team, which went on to challenge Harvard in the national championship.
9. Lean on Me
Starring Morgan Freeman, this film is based on the true story of the dedicated but tyrannical Joe Clark, who is appointed the principal of a decaying inner-city school that he is determined to improve.
10. Coach Carter
Ken Carter was a high school basketball coach whose belief that players should be held accountable for poor academic performance outweighed his desire for team wins. In 1999, controversy surrounded Carter after he benched his entire team for breaking their academic contract with him.
Hallmark Hall of Fame Movies – A History
For more than 60 years, the Hallmark Hall of Fame has presented original films that entertain, enlighten, and inspire. Many of Hallmark Hall of Fame’s groundbreaking presentations have made television history. The Hallmark Hall of Fame has often tackled tough subjects, and those presentations have been widely honored. The Hallmark Hall of Fame has received countless awards, including a record 81 Emmys and dozens of Golden Globes, Peabody and Christopher Awards and Humanitas Prizes. One out of every four Academy Award winners in acting categories has appeared in a Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation.
Hallmark Cards Chairman Donald J. Hall says the Hallmark Hall of Fame remains an integral and vibrant part of the company’s culture. “We are in the business of helping people communicate,” says Hall, “a key part of that mandate has been the Hallmark Hall of Fame.”
In 1982 Don Hall accepted an Emmy for Hallmark Hall of Fame and its “dedication to standards of quality and excellence.”
Here is a timeline of groundbreaking Hallmark Hall of Fame moments. You can watch over sixty Hallmark Hall of Fame movies as a SpiritClips member.
1951 – The first Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation is the world premiere of Gian Carlo Menotti’s opera, Amahl and the Night Visitors. The first original opera ever commissioned for television, Amahl enjoyed several encore presentations over the years.
Amahl and the Night Visitors was the first Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation
1953 – Hallmark Hall of Fame becomes the first sponsored program ever presented in color.
1953 – Hamlet is the first play by William Shakespeare ever presented on television. More people watched that broadcast than had seen the classic play on stage during the 350 years since it was written.
1961 – Hallmark Cards received the first Emmy ever presented to a sponsor.
Hallmark Hall of Fame productions have won many industry awards and the hearts of many viewers.
1969 – Teacher, Teacher tells of a mentally challenged boy who emerged from his isolation thanks to encouragement from his teacher. The film receives an Award of Merit from the President’s Committee on Mental Retardation.
1977 – Emily, Emily, the sequel to Teacher, Teacher, receives an Award of Merit from the President’s Committee on Mental Retardation.
1982 – The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences presents its prestigious Governors’ Award to Hallmark for the series’ unparalleled contribution to the television medium.
1985 – Love Is Never Silent (1985) features deaf actors and explores issues of particular relevance to the deaf community.
Love Is Never Silent DVD
1986 – Promise, a remarkable exploration of schizophrenia, is the most honored single program in the history of television. It received five Emmy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor (James Woods), two Golden Globes, a Christopher Award and Humanitas Prize. The production is still widely used as a teaching tool in medical schools throughout the country.
1989 – My Name Is Bill W. dramatized the genesis of Alcoholics Anonymous.
My Name is Bill W. DVD
1992 – Miss Rose White examined assimilation of ethnic and religious minorities in American society.
1997 – Ellen Foster was a hard-hitting portrait of an essentially parentless girl coping with a harrowing childhood.
1998 – Grace & Glorie was a touching portrait of an elderly woman dealing with both isolation and illness.
Hallmark Hall of Fame film Grace and Glorie
2008 – Sweet Nothing in My Ear features deaf actors and explores issues of particular relevance to the deaf community.
2009 – Hallmark Hall of Fame presents The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler, the story of one of the most remarkable World War II heroes who saved 2500 Jewish children during the German occupation of Poland, and Front of the Class, the triumphant story of Brad Cohen, a man with Tourette’s Syndrome who overcame incredible obstacles to become a gifted teacher. The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler receives 3 Emmy nominations and Front of the Class receives the prestigious Voice Award given by the Department of Health & Human Services.
Hallmark Hall of Fame Movies – Watch Free Online for 1 Week!
What are you up to this summer? Now is the perfect time for you and your family to kick back, relax, and enjoy Hallmark Hall of Fame’s signature movie collection–on us! Activate a one-week free trial of SpiritClips today and you can watch our entire collection of Hallmark Hall of Fame Movies for free. There are no limits–you can watch as many of these award-winning films as you like, completely free, for one week.
Simply sign up, and in less than five minutes, you can be streaming Hallmark movies like The Lost Valentine, The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler, and Mitch Albom’s Have a Little Faith to your computer, mobile device, media player, or gaming console.
Let the summer movie binging begin! Watch Hallmark Movies Free
Hallmark Hall of Fame Movies
For more than 60 years, the Hallmark Hall of Fame has presented original films that entertain, enlighten, and inspire. As one of the most beloved and honored programs in the history of American television, they have won an unprecedented 80 Emmys, 9 Golden Globes, 11 Peabody Awards. You may have grown up watching Hallmark Hall of Fame movies in the living room after Thanksgiving, or as the days shortened and your neighbors began putting up their Christmas lights.
HallmarkSpiritClips.com is the exclusive online streaming provider of Hallmark Hall of Fame movies
SpiritClips is proud to be the exclusive online streaming provider for selected movies from the Hallmark Hall of Fame collection. These award-winning films, starring actors and actresses you know and love, have a long tradition of bringing families together.
Sign up today for a one-week free trial to start watching these Hallmark Hall of Fame movies instantly:
Happy St. Patrick’s Day from all of us at SpiritClips from Hallmark
“Like the warmth of the sun and the light of the day, may the luck of the Irish shine bright on your way.”
There are so many wonderful Irish sayings and blessings. But why do we only remind ourselves of them on St. Patrick’s Day? Here’s a thought. How about calling tomorrow – “My Family Day”? This lovely Irish saying can still apply – “May your troubles be less, and your blessing be more, and nothing but happiness, come through your door.” Tuesday might be called “A Perfect Day” and Wednesday could be “My Kids’ Day” and so on and so on.
Because, in the end, everyday is a blessing and deserves to be recognized with a hug, a little laughter, a celebration and, if you’re so inclined, a touch of green for good luck.
And if you’re in the mood for some heartwarming entertainment check out two of our favorite Irish themed movies online – “The Blackwater Lightship” or “The Seventh Stream”.
Clearly, SpiritClips from Hallmark is the best new place to find heartwarming family movies online.
Watch NEW Hallmark Hall of Fame: A Smile as Big as the Moon
Watch the NEW Hallmark Hall of Fame® production, ‘A Smile as Big as the Moon’ online at SpiritClips.com or on the new Boxee™ & Roku™ SpiritClips Channel. Based on a True Story, the film stars John Corbett as the dedicated and inspiring teacher of special needs students.
“A SMILE AS BIG AS THE MOON…is a sweet depiction of love with a strong moral worldview and an entertaining plot line.”~MovieGuide, The Family Guide to Movies & Entertainment
‘A Smile as Big as the Moon‘ is available on-demand, or as part of Premium Membership.
View Press Release
Hallmark Hall of Fame’s ‘Have A Little Faith’ Now On SpiritClips.com
‘Have A Little Faith‘, a Hallmark Hall of Fame® production, is now available for watching online at SpiritClips.com and on your TV with the SpiritClips Roku™ channel. Watch on-demand, or as part of your Premium Membership.
If you aren’t yet a member, we invite you to take advantage of a special offer: SAVE 30% ON PREMIUM MEMBERSHIPS. This offer is valid through December 25th, 2011. Simply enter Promo Code HHF3011B when upgrading. Happy Holidays!
http://spiritclips.com/films/havefaith
Trailer for the Hallmark Hall of Fame Production of Mitch Albom’s ‘Have a Little Faith’
Watch the Hallmark Hall of Fame® production of ‘Have A Little Faith’ on ABC, November 27th.
Later in the week, SpiritClips.com Premium Members will be able to watch Have A Little Faith online at SpiritClips.com, or streaming-to-TV on the SpiritClips Roku™ channel. Have A Little Faith will also be available on-demand for non premium members. Simply join to watch the SpiritClips.com catalog of Hallmark Hall of Fame® as VOD.
SpiritClips.com is the official source of Hallmark Hall of Fame® movies online, on-demand, or streaming-to-TV with Roku™.
Hallmark Hall of Fame ‘Have A Little Faith’ Premiere
Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images North America
SpiritClips.com Founder and CEO, Rob Fried and wife, actress Nancy Travis (Last Man Standing, ABC,) attended the Disney ABC Television Group & Hallmark Hall of Fame® premiere of Mitch Albom’s Have A Little Faith at Fox Studios on November 3, 2011 in Century City, California.
The film, based on Mitch Albom’s true story and starring Laurence Fishburne, Bradley Whitford and Martin Landau, will broadcast on ABC Television stations November 27, 2011. Later in the week, SpiritClips.com Premium Members will be able to watch Have A Little Faith online at SpiritClips.com, or streaming-to-TV on the SpiritClips Roku™ channel. Have A Little Faith will also be available on-demand for non premium members. Simply join to watch the SpiritClips.com catalog of Hallmark Hall of Fame® as VOD.
SpiritClips.com is the official source of Hallmark Hall of Fame® movies online, on-demand, or streaming-to-TV with Roku™.
Watch Hallmark Hall of Fame on SpiritClips.com
Watch Hallmark Hall of Fame On SpiritClips
Thanks to our esteemed content partner, Hallmark Hall of Fame®, many wonderful Hallmark Hall of Fame movies are available for viewing on SpiritClips.com. View online, or on your TV with Roku™ as part of your Premium Membership. Hallmark Hall of Fame® films are also available On-Demand. Simply register on our site to watch VOD.
To celebrate the holiday season, we are sharing a special offer with you:
SAVE 30% ON PREMIUM MEMBERSHIPS. This offer is valid through December 25th, 2011. Simply enter Promo Code HHF3011B when joining. Join Us Today!
We are always updating our Hallmark Hall of Fame catalog of films. Here is just a sampling of the films you can watch on SpiritClips.com:
Mitch Albom’s Have A Little Faith, When Love Is Not Enough: The Lois Wilson Story, Loving Leah, A Dog Named Christmas, The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler, November Christmas, The Lost Valentine, The Love Letter, The Magic of Ordinary Days, Cupid and Cate, Crossroads: A Story of Forgiveness, The Russell Girl, Blind Spot, Front of the Class, The Water Is Wide, Plainsong, Beyond The Blackboard, The Boys Next Door, Back When We Were Grownups, My Sister’s Keeper, Riding The Bus With My Sister, After the Glory, The Blackwater Lightship, To Dance with the White Dog, Grace & Glorie, The Piano Lesson, A Painted House, Little John, Follow the Stars Home, Missing Pieces, Season of Miracles, Durango, What the Deaf Man Heard, In Love and War, Fallen Angel, Seventh Stream, Silver Bells, Pictures of Hollis Woods, The Valley of Light, Candles on Bay Street
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