There are more than five on-screen teachers who have inspired and motivated viewers. However, as always, I will only speak for the ones I have seen in action.
Of all the teachers we encounter in life, who do we remember the most?
Are they the teachers who taught us well and explained their subjects perfectly?
Or do we also appreciate teachers who don’t adhere strictly to the hard-set rules of schools and universities?
While good teaching skills create a positive impression of the teacher, it is the teacher’s behaviour with the students that remains in their memories and has a lasting positive impact.
When I was granted the opportunity to step into the world of teaching, it became a profound awakening for me. It showed me that teaching can be incredibly fulfilling. I refrained from viewing my students merely as individuals with less knowledge. Instead, I regarded them as individuals who were well-versed in the world around them. I extended to them the same respect and attention I would offer to an elder.
In return, I received an abundance of love and respect that I will forever hold dear. When students engage with their teachers with genuine interest, it ignites the best in the educators as well.
As a teacher, I’ve been particularly impressed by students who persistently strive for improvement, even in the face of failure. However, students can only be motivated if the teachers themselves are inspired.
Great teachers invariably possess something extraordinary. Their sincere desire to witness their students’ growth stands as one of their most exceptional qualities.
Now, let’s explore five exceptional educators that the world of cinema has introduced to us
PROFESSOR DUMBLEDORE (THE HARRY POTTER SERIES)
Professor Dumbledore will always hold a special place as the ultimate headmaster any schoolchild would dream of having.
We grew up watching him navigate every challenging situation with unparalleled calmness and wisdom.
With his serene demeanour, inspiring speeches, unwavering determination, profound conviction, boundless patience, and unwavering faith, Professor Dumbledore’s character stands out as one of the most formidable on-screen personalities we’ve ever witnessed.
While Harry Potter encounters many other teachers and inspiring mentors throughout the series, none leave as lasting an impression as Professor Dumbledore.
Dumbledore’s character will remain etched in our memories primarily because of his unique relationship with Harry.
He embodies the ideal mentor, a perfect teacher, a fatherly figure, and a steadfast friend.
Our dream of receiving an acceptance letter from a school like Hogwarts may never come true, but it’s possible to have a headmaster who checks in on us, cares about our well-being, loves and supports us, forgives our mistakes, guides us, and genuinely cares for our growth.
Have you ever been fortunate enough to have a teacher like Dumbledore?”
JOHN KEATING (DEAD POETS SOCIETY)
Some teachers make the school authorities proud, while others make their students proud, even when the school doesn’t fully appreciate them.
Teachers who go the extra mile to inspire and motivate their students are a rare breed. Passionate teachers pass on their enthusiasm to their students.
In ‘Dead Poets Society,’ the versatile Robin Williams takes on the role of the romantic teacher, John Keating. He adopts an unconventional teaching approach that sparks a revolution in his classroom. He stands on desks and tears pages from textbooks. He discusses romance, dreams, literature, and poetry with unrestrained zeal and passion.
Keating rebels against the traditional education system and teaches his students to stand up for themselves and pursue their dreams, even if no one else understands. He breaks all the rules but captures both the hearts of his students and the audience.
We can’t overlook the gift that ‘Dead Poets Society’ has given us—an exceptional teacher in the form of Professor John Keating. The ethics, thoughts, and wisdom he imparts will forever blossom in our hearts.
ERIN GRUWELL (FREEDOM WRITERS)
When I witness Dumbledore in action, it fills me with excitement.
Listening to Professor Keating speak makes me fall in love with literature.
However, when I watch Erin Gruwell’s struggles, my heart shatters, yet it rekindles my belief in humanity.
‘Freedom Writers’ is a deeply emotional and intense movie, marked by drama and heart-wrenching moments. It’s a movie that no teacher or student should miss.
The film portrays the challenges faced by both- educators and students in creating a conducive learning environment and fostering the trust that bridges the gap between them.
Teachers often grapple with classrooms where students are uncooperative and disrespectful. Institutions often deal with stubborn students with force and punishment. Their motivation to study and improve dwindles.
In ‘Freedom Writers,’ Erin Gruwell dedicates herself to a singular objective. She perseveres in breaking down the barriers that impede her teaching and class management. She makes numerous sacrifices and goes to great lengths to transform the lives of all her students.
Erin Gruwell’s inspirational character is unforgettable. It serves as a beacon, urging us not to abandon our plans for positive change in the world. With determination, we can always find a way.
KABIR KHAN (CHAK DE! INDIA)
Chak De India! is a true cinematic gem from Bollywood, and at its heart is the character Coach Kabir Khan, portrayed by Shah Rukh Khan, who played a pivotal role in shattering societal taboos.
Coach Kabir Khan’s character was so compelling that it captured the hearts of many, with some women even developing crushes on him.
It’s easy to see why – Kabir Khan is a mesmerizing character.
He’s a passionate coach who takes the helm of a women’s hockey team and brings out the best in each player. At a time when many doubted the potential of women in sports in India, he proved that they could excel.
Kabir Khan is known for his fairness, focus, integrity, and unwavering principles. He maintains discipline and strictness but never wavers in his motivation for his team.
Kabir Khan is an ideal coach who breaks stereotypes and dedicates himself to enhancing the skills and abilities of every team member.
Finding a coach who matches the high standards set by Kabir Khan in ‘Chak de India’ can be challenging.
However, even as a fictional character, Kabir Khan has inspired countless Indian sportswomen, encouraging them to persevere and advance in their careers.
RAM SHANKAR NIKUMBH (TAARE ZAMEEN PAR)
Anyone who has watched the movie ‘Taare Zameen Par’ will admit that it moved them to tears.
You can’t help but empathize with young Ishaan as he grapples with his disabilities. Every child with a disability requires special attention and support. Similarly, students who struggle to grasp classroom lectures may benefit from a slower-paced curriculum.
Some students need patience and kindness, qualities not all teachers prioritize; only a few truly recognize their importance.
In ‘Taare Zameen Par,’ actor Aamir Khan portrays the character of an art teacher named Ram Shankar Nikumbh, who keenly observes this need. Nikumbh pays close attention to his students’ reactions, discerning when they are happy or sad.
He takes an unconventional approach to teaching and helps Ishaan regain his self-belief and overcome his despair. Nikumbh’s cheerful demeanour and unwavering optimism enable him to form a strong bond with Ishaan.
Nikumbh’s teaching methodology is exceptional and deeply dedicated. His empathy shines through his genuine interest in seeing Ishaan improve and excel.
If we had real-life teachers like Nikumbh, they would undoubtedly be our heroes.
Tell us about your favourite teacher!
Also read: LOST CHILDHOOD: The right to childhood should be untouchable – 2021 (neoprotagonist.com)
Watch Dead Poets Society trailer- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ye4KFyWu2do