From ancient times the role of the teacher in the education of the young has been a matter of major importance. Of course, this was because the educational process, although particularly difficult, has always been an inaccessible path, which for the work of the educator aimed at creating the formation of an integrated personality. Since then, the field of education has changed radically, as the role of teacher-teacher by function has evolved into a boring duty of a civil servant who no longer excites the average teenager to deal with his personal development.
However, it is worth noting that there are renowned people who served their function against the obstacles of society and were a great inspiration.
The inspirational example of Erin Gruwell
The case of Erin Gruwell is a good example of a teacher’s will to develop and believe in children. Her story takes place in the 1990s in a public school in America that accepts many students. As is well known, the America of the 90s stands out for its multiculturalism, for the groups of people who turn into gangs with the main sign of origin and social class. The students had indirectly made a similar categorization with each other, creating a miniature of society. Another factor that the teacher had to deal with was the delinquent behavior of the students and the fact that some of them had just been released from juvenile prisons.
But can a pencil and a paper change the world? And yet, they can
Although the educational environment itself already had these children as a “finished affair”, Gruwell herself put a lot of personal effort into the change she wanted. Her weapon was the book with the story of Anne Frank and the way she managed to reach the students. Children who had not opened a book until then managed not only to read it, but also to identify with the adverse living conditions of the heroine shortly before its tragic end. And somehow, the children grabbed the pen in their hand and were able to express thoughts and feelings and become a strong punch. Of course, the teaching methods used by the teacher herself also played a dominant role.
She approached the lesson with a toy that tried to meet the educational requirements and personality of each child. As a result, the typically poor students performed exceptionally well, attracting children from other classes with the requirement to attend Gruwell’s class.
When Hillary Swank meets Erin Gruwell to create Freedom Writers
The most beautiful stories are those that are taken from life itself. Gruwell’s teaching method was taught at American universities with her as a professor. So, she attracted a lot of interest from Hollywood producers and screenwriters, creating a film based on her work. Hillary Swank embodies Erin by presenting the difficulties that a teacher can face on a personal and professional level, as it has never been a path paved with rose petals.
The two women also met on set so that they could inspire each other for the best possible result. Indeed, the film is an important piece of inspiration for those who want to be in a classroom, but also for students. The power of will and the fact that teen stories can be listened to to make a difference are some of the highlights.
Putting this 2006 movie back in a room I watched the children’s faces. The example of Gruwell who approached the teenagers so selflessly impressed them, the stories of the marginalized students moved them. Are there any such examples among us? And if so, why not lighten them a little more?
For all the Erin who fight out there to make a difference there is definitely a place for their work, but even if one does not see it one can do it oneself. “Be the change you want to see in the world,” Gaddy said.
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