Chalk

Do we remember what it’s like to be in the public school system? Do we really understand what it takes to be an educator? In the 2006 film Chalk, these questions are examined in a satirical, mockumentary style.

The film takes the stance of a documentary, following a handful of hopeful teachers working within their first couple of years as educators. We follow a history teacher working his first year, a physical education teacher in her second year, a “teacher of the year” hopeful in his third year, and an teacher-turned-administrator in her third year. The film follows their classes, their confessionals in the teacher’s lounge, and one on one interviews.

I think what makes this film so interesting is that it’s funny and scary at the same time. After teaching in our school district, I could see that these actors were dead on when portraying the difficulty of reaching students. We are exposed to the difficulty of acquiring, and maintaining a working relationship with the students, as well as other faculty and staff throughout the first few years. The film opens up with the statistic that 50% of teachers drop out of teaching within their first three years. This film certainly demonstrates why.

The actors, all first timers, do an excellent job working together to paint this hectic picture of a high school in Texas. Directed by Mike Akel, and produced by Morgan Spurlock (Supersize Me), this film is a good watch for a few good laughs, and an honest critique of the American school system.

I’ll leave this review sort of short, as it’s going to be a very small release in the states. If you ever get a chance to check this one out, it’s a good watch, and worth the rent. I’m not sure it’s worth the 8 dollar movie ticket, but if nothing comes around on a Tuesday evening, and this is available at the local Blockbuster, I’d say check it out. It leaves you wondering how accurate they are, and amazed that these people are some of the lowest paid workers in America. 7 (B-)