A very interesting documentary produced in Denmark, called Nature Play, emphasizes the importance of outdoor education. This captivating film combines interviews with videos of children exploring the outside
A second inspirational documentary is called Navajo Math Circles. A collaborative effort by local teachers, college professors, and Navajo families, this educational program is an innovative approach to combining Navajo culture with a creative approach to math instruction.
Another creative and collaborative approach to education is titled, Readers of the Holocaust. An artist, a college professor, a high school teacher, and high school seniors all team together to study social justice through graphic novels.
Two additional short films that are worth noting focus on the student-teacher relationship. The first one, Teachers, is directed by Mark Columbus and viewable at PBS.org. It takes place in Los Angeles and explores the relationship between a caring teacher and a struggling student.
For my fifth teacher flick of special merit, I chose the heartwarming film, Jose and Mr. Ramos. The opening scene is of a third grade student, Jose, walking to school in front of a beautiful strawberry field with a mountain backdrop. Jose’s parents are farm workers in Salinas, California. His teacher, Mr. Ramos, likes to tell the kids that he was born in Mexico and got up at 4 am to pick vegetables. Sometimes he worked for 10 an 12 hours in the hot summer sun. By sharing his story, the kids open up to him.
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