Each year, 250,000 new teachers enter America's workforce. Filmmaker Davis Guggenheim's The First Year focuses on five rookies, following them through their baptism by fire in Los Angeles' gritty South Central school district. In some cases not much older than the kids themselves, these young teachers confront the daily realities of alienated kids, indifferent parents, overcrowded classrooms, budget shortfalls, gang warfare, and intimidating layers of educational bureaucracy. How do they stay motivated? The documentary finds a dramatic answer to this question by focusing on a challenge each teacher must overcome (in one case, for example, a teacher tries to persuade a student to overcome prejudice, while in another, a kindergarten teacher is frustrated in her efforts to secure speech therapy services for a student). Combining footage of teachers interacting with students, parents, and school administrators, the film also offers a glimpse of teachers in their off-duty "down time." Although wisely avoiding the temptation to preach--allowing scenes to unfold in "real time"--the film's overlapping stories are a bit confusing at first, but the video eventually finds clarity, drama, and poignancy in its subject, and though a tad overlong, is ultimately a valuable testament to the quiet everyday heroism of teachers. The DVD version also includes Guggenheim's documentary short TEACH (an inspirational recruiting film, available separately on VHS for $14.95), as well as an epilogue with teacher commentaries, a profile of teachers featured in the program, and resources on "how to get involved." Recommended for public and academic libraries. Aud: C. P. (S. Rees)
The First Year
(2001) 80 min. DVD: $34.95. Teachers Documentary Project/Davis Guggenheim (dist. by Instructional Video). PPR. Color cover. Closed captioned. Volume 18, Issue 3
The First Year
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