School Life - A Fly on the Wall in Fall

It’s fall, and kids are back in school.  This is the time of year we often hear parents say, “I wish I could be a fly on the wall” as their kid meanders into the classroom.  We know our kids will have a completely different experience than ours; and we’re aware of the maddening competitive nature that is American education today.  It’s only natural we should be curious.  Conflicting philosophies abound:

• Standardized tests vs group learning? 
• Regular tutoring vs study harder?
• Public vs private?
• IQ vs EQ?

 
School Life - A new terrific documentary in the education space, we truly get to be a fly on the wall, living with these kids, in their school setting, for a year of their experience.  And the philosophies above, it’s something of a hybrid.  You be the judge.
 
Housed in an 18th century estate, school life at Headfort embraces tradition, while looking forward.  Teacher John spends a lot of time working with kids to assemble the right rock band, in addition to his version of classroom lessons on Latin.  His wife Amanda looks to the books, literature and the school play to engage with her pupils. For nearly half a century these two colorful characters have shaped thousands of minds, often pondering what life will be like when they walk away. 
 
This movie is truly a celebration of these two eccentric and devoted teachers. Up until very recently, the film was called "In loco parentis” which literally means "in the place of a parent," which speaks to the teacher’s life's work.  They were put on this earth to educate and care for children, in their own non-traditional way.  They measure their success by the accomplishments of their kids, worth remembering in this society where teachers are consistently undervalued.  Which begs the question…  
 
What is the real goal of education?
 
A. To provide academics and Learning skills
B. To give our kids social skills and build character
C. To give our kids tools to achieve personal goals and realize potential, outside the classroom
D. To create life-long learners
E. All of the above (or is that too much to ask?)

Check out our Education Spotlight to keep the dialogue going!

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