Documentary: Waiting for Superman Essay

The concept of education as a vital part of life and success is universal, regardless of how it is done. Unfortunately, regardless of its importance in society, the education system does not always accomplish its goals. The documentary, Waiting for Superman, was an excellent illustration of the large problems we face here in America. From our disappointing comparisons of education in the US compared to other countries, and the system of the government (impoverished neighborhoods, poor and failing education institutions) is a crisis that should be addressed and brought to public attention. Although there have been countless attempts to reform education, increase budgets, and implement new programs, the education system in the U.S. is not doing its job entirely and as effective as society needs it to be to foster the future generations. The film is alarming to the sad truth: there are teachers out there who don’t care about what they do. There are teachers who use the contract that they signed into to take advantage of their role, and not do what they signed up to do. This was alarming especially being aware of real life examples and videos that were caught on tape of how teachers use their classroom time. Even more alarming the results of school testing that illustrates a clear image- schools are not producing what they should, and education system in institutions are not working! It does not take a genius to realize that something has to change. â€Å"You can’t have a great school without great teachers† is a beautiful quote mentioned in the film. Although government officials have sought out to reform education by providing funds or special programs, the real problem is finding effective and passionate teachers who truly seek to make a difference in the world by giving the gift of knowledge. If the system can effectively evaluate its teachers worldwide, and rid of teachers who are not doing an adequate job or benefitting the students or institution, they should no be teaching. Time is precious, especially time in the classroom and hopes for a new age of education system is possible. If there are more great teachers in our school systems, the US may have a brighter future. If there are qualified and effective schools, the children of America would not have to fight for a spot to receive education we all deserve. It is a shame that the system has  come to do this, change must come.