Reaction to "Chalk"...

I thought that “Chalk” was really interesting. I was a bit wary at first, when I realized it was a documentary. I was afraid I was going to be bored. But it was actually really interesting! I had no idea that 50% of teachers quit in their first three years. That was pretty astonishing and also really sad. I wish there was a way to give those teachers the confidence they need in order to stick it out and push through the hard part. When someone decides to become a teacher, it’s usually because they want to help others, they want to make sure that students are encouraged, and they probably had a really inspiring teacher when THEY were young.  The world is in desperate need of great teachers who are willing to go the extra mile in order to help their students.

 I thought Mr. Stroope was a great teacher. He knew how to connect to his students, he could inspire and encourage them, but he also knew when and how to be tough with them when they needed it. I know he REALLY wanted to win Teacher of the Year, and I think it’s great that he wants to be the best teacher possible. But it also seemed like a bit of overkill on his part. Like he was trying TOO hard.

Coach Webb was also a good teacher, because she tried to find other ways to involve her heavier students. She wanted to make sure that they knew they had it in them to be fit and healthy, even if it meant lying to them about how well they were doing. She knew that what they needed was encouragement.

I felt really bad for AP Reddell, because she was widely misunderstood by her peers, but especially be her best friend Coach Webb. She went into AP, clearly not knowing how much work it was going to be. It impacted her personal life as well as her general happiness. It made her realize how much she really missed teaching.

Mr. Lowrey constantly struggled, but by the end of the school year it was clear that he had improved. He’d made a connection with his students and had earned their respect. I was really disappointed when he decided not to return.

This documentary really opened my eyes to the world that teachers live in. Not just the way they teach and how they deal with their students, but also how they interact with their peers and how their jobs affect their personal lives. Teachers really struggle in many ways, and I feel like they’re not given the respect and praise that they deserve. They are unsung heroes.