register |  login
› CASTLE ROCK
Loading Ad
Visit Other Hubs:
ADVERTISEMENT
Loading Tower
RECENT STORIES

Chalk one up for 'Chalk'
Contributed by: Anthonette Klinkerman on 8/6/2007

The Countdown to School Year '07-08 Clock is ticking. One way for me to warm up included a trip downtown to the Tivoli Theater on the Auraria campus to see "Chalk".

I had read that it was a "mockumentary" on public school teachers. What I found was a funny and truthful look at the wonderful world of education. No "determined and unconventional teacher saves the day" story here. Just an honest look at the inner workings of a high school in Texas, from the gym to the administration offices.

Painfully honest, I might add.

Mind you, it's not that I don't like the teacher-hero movies; I just haven't been compared out-loud to Robin Williams in "Dead Poets' Society" yet.

Director and co-writer Mike Akel was right on target with the four characters that seem to allow cameras to follow them through a school year. Much of the action is based on Akel's experience - three years as a high school teacher. He nails the trivial politics, the teachers' insecurities, the failed classroom "teachable moments", and the unresponsive students. However, he does this with a great deal of respect that only comes from someone who has been there and done that.

"50% of all teachers quit within the first three years." The statistic opens the movie, and the rest of the show helps illustrate some of the reasons why. While I can't reveal the ending that coincides with the close of the school year, it is one of those rare movie endings I classify as "thought-provoking".

Whether you're a teacher, a parent, or a student, hurry to see this heart-felt film. Its run is about up, but it needs to be put on your "must-see" list.

Grade: A+



SUBMIT COMMENT

Rate the above story



Current Rating
Based on 4 user ratings.

Talk Back : submit comments to the story

*Note: you need to log-in to add a comment or rating.

Showing 1-3 of 3 comments
Submitted By: Michael Rule
posted on 8/6/2007 @ 9:51:30 PM
Rated Story
Sounds great! My mom taught school for 20+ years. A bit burnt out at the end?? Maybe.........
[Report as objectionable]
Submitted By: Anthonette Klinkerman
posted on 8/6/2007 @ 2:08:25 PM
(Not Rated)
You HAVE to see it, Charmaine. It really will make you think. As for college kids being easier, I've been there and done that, and the answer is "to some extent, yes." ;-)
[Report as objectionable]
Submitted By: Charmaine Robledo
posted on 8/6/2007 @ 12:17:45 PM
Rated Story
As someone still toying with the idea of teaching, I may have to see this film. Although I hope to mold the minds of college kids, who may be easier to teach than high schoolers.
[Report as objectionable]
Showing 1-3 of 3 comments
CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Anthonette Klinkerman

Castle Pines North

Anthonette Klinkerman has posted 72 stories and 43 comments since joining on 4/14/2006. Anthonette Klinkerman 's average story rating is 4.94.
SAVE AND SHARE THIS STORY
STORY RSS FEEDS
WANT TO WRITE FOR YOURHUB.COM?
Want to see the stories you write and the photos you shoot featured in the YourHub.com Thursday print section available all over the Front Range and with home subscriptions of the Rocky Mountain News and The Denver Post? All you have to do is register, then post a story or column, start a blog or tell everyone what events are happening in town. We will print the best stories, columns, event listings, photos and blog entries in our print sections.

ADVERTISEMENT
Loading Ad

Loading Ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Loading Ad

This YourHub.com community is produced by The Denver Newspaper Agency
Web Development and Channel Analytics provided by Indigio

terms of use //  privacy policy
the staff //  advertise //  help & faq
buy photos