We’ve all had those favorite teachers from 80’s movies that we loved to watch even if they weren’t part of the movie. They were there, that was the point, and their presence was something to be remembered for one reason or another. It could have been because they were somehow hilarious or because they were that tough and left an impression. The point is that those of us that grew up in the 80’s and can remember the films from back then still recall some of the best teachers we ever saw in the movies and can possibly compare them to the teachers we see in films now.
Now and again we can draw a parallel, but not too often.
5. Economics teacher-Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Ben Stein didn’t have a huge role in this movie but it was somehow remembered as one of the best parts. Maybe it was his deadpan voice that did it as he keeps say Bueller’s name over and over. Or maybe it was just that he wasn’t really trying to be funny but the scene came off as being hilarious for some reason. I dare anyone to watch this scene and not smile at the very least.
4. Jaime Escalante-Stand and Deliver
Mr. Escalante isn’t a joke no matter how much he might seem like it in his working outfit. He’s the kind of teacher that doesn’t take your garbage no matter how tough you think you are. This is the kind of teacher that you just don’t smart off to if you really have an interest in staying healthy. He doesn’t have to beat you down with fists, he just has to get in your head and it’s over.
3. Joe Clark-Lean On Me
It’s not often that you get to see Morgan Freeman as a tough guy but when he does show up to a role he plays it all the way through. He’s not the nicest man in the school, nor is he bound to do anything other than be tough on the kids in order to teach them. But once the job is done at least he knows how to build a kid up, even if it’s in a way that seems inordinately tough.
2. Mr. Hand-Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Mr. Hand is the teacher you hate from the first day only to realize later on in the year that he might actually know what he’s talking about and what he’s doing. He’s not a teacher that you mess with however since he’s extremely tough and knows how to get inside your head and berate you to no end. With guys like Mr. Hand there is no winning unless you decide to play their game and defy their expectations.
1. John Keating-Dead Poets Society
Mr. Keating is the kind of teacher you don’t want to disobey because he’s open, his teaching style carries more freedom than others, and he actually listens to his students. He doesn’t teach them the mind-numbing curriculum that drains their souls and chains their hearts. His methods are unorthodox but they’re far more liberating.
Some of these teachers are the ones that we dreaded seeing in school, while the others were a joy.
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