'American Teacher' and the Crisis in Public Education

Rhena Jasey with students in "American Teacher." Photo courtesy of First Run Features.

EVERYONE agrees that primary and secondary public education in the United States is a mess, especially in the nation’s big cities. Everyone also agrees that part of making it better is attracting and retaining good teachers.

Vanessa Roth takes on the subject in “American Teacher.” The director uses the stories of five educators in different areas of the country to address such issues as low pay, recruitment, retention as well as the challenges and triumphs experienced by those in public education. Prescriptions are also discussed for reforming a highly dysfunctional system.

The film opens today in New York at the Empire AMC Cinemas and in Los Angeles at the Broadway AMC Santa Monica.