There are three things to remember when teaching: know your stuff; know whom you are stuffing; and then stuff them elegantly. ~Lola May
I love film. I especially love films that uplift and inspire. When they’re based on a true story about a teacher who’s making a difference in students’ lives, I’m in heaven. I took a trip there last night when I had the privilege of seeing the outstanding documentary, Pressure Cooker.
It’s a fascinating journey to Frankford High School in a working class neighborhood of Philadelphia, where teacher Wilma Stephenson teaches culinary arts. This culinary arts class does not remotely resemble the home economics classes of my childhood, nor do Mrs. Stephenson’s blunt, one-of-a-kind, in-your-face, boot camp-style teaching methods. But, boy, does she get results.
The film follows the stories of three students who thrive over two semesters under Mrs. Stephenson’s unorthodox tutelage, and the grand finale is the awards ceremony where scholarships to the most prestigious culinary schools in the nation are handed out. Not every student lasts in Mrs. Stephenson’s classroom, but those who do find themselves championed by an extraordinary woman whose purpose, passion and commitment inspires them to exceed all expectations. You’ll have to see the film to see how these amazing kids fare!
Granted Wilma Stephenson has been teaching for 38 years, so you could argue that it might be time she begins looking for her own encore career. But, you’d be missing the point.
According to a MetLife Survey, one of about 42% of college-educated adults say they would consider teaching in the future. Are you one of them?
Like the former pastry chef who teaches children to cook in a fun, party setting, while imparting real life skills. Or the retired IBM executive who’s making biology (his first love) interesting and fun for his middle school students. Consider which of your gifts you might bring to the classroom, how you could inspire young minds, and if the idea of teaching inspires you.
What are your favorite inspiring films about teaching? Are you currently in an encore teaching career? I’d love to hear all about it.
