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The First Year
By Kelly Sullivan, Northern Regional Vice President

On September 6 at 9:00 pm, PBS will air a brand new documentary featuring the real lives of five first year teachers. The independent filmmaker Davis Guggenheim followed his subjects throughout their first school year, in public schools across Los Angeles in grades from kindergarten to high school. Davis used a lightweight camera to capture an intimate film that includes footage from over hundred days within California schools. Guggenheim catches a glimpse of these teachers as they explore the challenges and rewards of their chosen profession.

The film addresses the need for good teachers in a growing student population throughout the United States and especially in California. The filmmakers hope to use the film for educational outreach. They plan to donate a 35-minute version of the film to various educational organizations across the nation including the SCTA to assist in recruiting new teachers.

On July 14, the SCTA Executive Board was a able to view a first cut of the film. The film inspired an active discussion between board members. It captured many different emotions and may be used as a tool to encourage teacher recruitment in the coming year. Some board members commented on the content of the film.

"The video showed reality and what teaching will be like."
--Fabiola Cossyleon (Southern Vice President)

"It was insightful and showed the real world of teaching."
--Seth Klempner (Northern Vice President)

So don't forget to tune in on September 6th and enjoy what your executive board has already had the pleasure of viewing.