The right movie can help a person make a decision, research new ideas or even pursue a new career. Individuals who are curious about teaching are fortunate, as they have plenty of inspirational content to help build excitement toward their new path.

The teaching bug can bite anyone at any time, and, luckily for those who get bitten, there are plenty of movies available to nurture that inspiration. We’ve rounded up 14 favorites that are a mix of educational, eye-opening, motivational and heartwarming.

English Language Arts is more than just a subject–it’s a toolkit for essential life skills like critical thinking, effective communication, and personal growth. For those in the Rutgers Alternate Route program, teaching is about more than delivering lessons; it’s about empowering students and each other to thrive. These dedicated educators regularly swap and share innovative strategies and resources to enrich their classrooms.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted learning for all students, and literacy rates highlight that trend. According to the U.S. Department of Education’s National Assessment of Educational Progress, fourth and eighth-graders scored an average of five points lower on reading than students who tested before the pandemic. Likewise, Chalkbeat Newark reported that 51.6% of Newark Public Schools’ third graders met state reading standards, with that rate dropping to 36.9% in 2023.

We’ve curated a selection of educator-approved sites, such as SHAPE America, which offers national standards, ready-to-use lesson plans, and a wealth of professional resources. Open PE delivers free, grade-specific modules and creative activities for all K-12 levels, supporting teachers with adaptable and inclusive content. These tools are designed to spark new ideas, support your professional growth, and help every student enjoy moving and learning in your class.

Schools are like living organisms, with every staff, faculty and administrator—like our cells and DNA—doing their part to make up an entire body focused on the pursuit of knowledge. We know the reason healthy schools and bodies exist is because the sum of all their parts is strong, prepared and ready to carry out roles. If one group struggles, weakness ensues.

The paraprofessional role embodies this analogy, serving as support to students and the classroom teacher. Often referred to as the ‘backbone of a classroom,’ paraprofessionals step in and fill learning gaps through assisting teachers, guiding students and assisting with classroom management.