Everyone's got them, that one teacher that left their mark on their students. Whether they opened their mind to all the wondrous things life has to offer within academia or clamped down on them to teach the value of respect, they will forever be nestled in the memory of a student's foramtive years.
Some of Cinema's best teachers applied their craft across multiple film genres. They range from very serious to lighthearted to straight up whimsical. They have different ways to impart wisdom to their students. Yet, they are all likeable, relatable and unforgettable.
First and foremost, we begin with.. I mean mate you should have known by now..
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MR. JOHN KEATING (DEAD POET'S SOCIETY)
O Captain! My Captain! Robin Williams' performance in Dead Poets Society is one worth standing on a desk for. The free-spirited and inspirational private school teacher encouraged his students to seize the day and "make [their] lives extraordinary." While the whole film is a love letter to teachers and their power to energise and inspire, it’s the film’s rousing final scene that will have you shedding a tear and mounting your desk in appreciation for this fearless educator. If that's not good teaching we're not sure what is.
MISTER MIYAGI (KARATE KID)
While not the kind of teacher you would meet in a school, Mr. Miyagi from The Karate Kid franchise is as much of a teacher as anyone else here. Because of his patience, diligence, and skill, he taught Daniel LaRusso the art of karate and truly made him into the man we know all these years later in Cobra Kai. His teachings live on, even if the actor who played him, Pat Morita, passed on in 2005.
SEVERES SNAPE (HARRY POTTER)
As someone who loves the Harry Potter franchise, I couldn't make this list without including Severus Snape, played by Alan Rickman is one of his best roles. While Snape was a bit of a jerk to everyone, there's no denying that underneath that, he was an older man with a lot of trauma and someone who did everything in his power to protect the students and those he cared about. Even in the end, he could give Harry his tears to show him that he always loved Lily, Harry's mother.
DEWEY FINN (SCHOOL OF ROCK)
While he initially faked his way into the role, having no teaching experience, Dewey Finn left his impact on his students in School of Rock, so much so that a new program was created for students for music. It's undoubtedly one of Jack Black's best films.
TERENCE FLETCHER (WHIPLASH)
Terence Fletcher, an instructor known for his terrifying teaching methods, discovers Andrew and transfers the aspiring drummer into the top jazz ensemble, forever changing the young man's life.
These are few teachers who has inspired me throughout my life. Furthermore, wanted to pay respect to them as today is "The world Teachers' Day".