Tales of teachers and leaders, typically drawn from popular culture,
sometimes drawn from the journey of life…
I have never watched a film on the Hallmark Movie Channel. I have no objection to the channel or to the films shown there. Rather, I am certain that, if I did start watching the Hallmark Movie Channel, I may not be able to stop as I am exactly the guy whose heartstrings for whom all of those films are designed. I know when I am being emotionally manipulated by a movie, I just do not care.
I love a good, emotional storyline.
I love a good cry.
Case in point: today’s EduPopCation.
While I dearly love Mr. Holland’s Opus, the 1995 movie starring Richard Dreyfus, I know what it is. It is a feel-good film constructed to have people like me reaching for the tissues and not the popcorn at the end of the movie.
I have seen it many, many times and reach for the tissues I always do.
When the movie begins, Mr. Glenn Holland, played by Richard Dreyfus in an Oscar-nominated performance, takes a high school teaching job to support his family and, he thinks, to support his passion – writing music and playing in a band. Teaching is something he is going to do for a while, just until his music career takes off and he can make a living doing what he truly wants to do. By the time the movie ends, the side gig has become his vocation and he did not even notice it happen.
I have no doubt that many of our best teachers, coaches, and counselors find their way into years and years of this work in just this fashion: they believe they will teach for a bit – just a backup job – and they realize it is a calling and a profession.
And a passion.
I was taught by many, learned from many, journeyed with many Glenn Hollands, and am grateful to all of these women and men who embraced their vocations.
Thank you to all the Glenn Hollands out there!