A new short documentary from the Nashville Public Education Foundation is reminding people how special teachers are — and how hard they work. The 20-minute film, called “Why I Teach,” follows three teachers in the Metro Nashville Public Schools district, from their morning commute to working a full day of instruction, then going home and continuing other work outside of the classroom.
“Why I Teach” stems from the NPEF’s ongoing campaign to champion and celebrate teachers while reframing conversations about the profession. Director of strategic initiatives Colleen Gilligan says the film is also meant, in part, to address misconceptions that teachers are just like babysitters or that they aren’t always happy in their roles amid various challenges.
Teachers indeed face many challenges, from meeting increasingly rigorous state testing standards to working with students from various and sometimes adverse backgrounds — all without strong compensation. The subjects of this documentary, however, remind us of the passion and joy that drives educators to return to the classroom day after day.
The documentary follows three very different teachers who have a lot in common. Celia Bowman-Jeffries teaches English learners at Thomas Edison Elementary School, working with students who are new to the country to enhance their English language skills and support them as they navigate instruction. Taylor Edens teaches chemistry at Early College High School and hosts the Be You Club at her school to support LGBTQ students. Graham Spencer teaches math at Goodlettsville Middle School and often eats lunch with his students to foster greater connection.
Despite the different schools and subject areas, and on top of educating students, each teacher has to work through technical issues, make sure they’re meeting state standards, build relationships with students and manage the organized chaos of a classroom. Each educator’s passion for their job is clear — they see it as a way to contribute to their community.
On June 25, the NPEF premiered “Why I Teach” at the Lipscomb Spark Center to a room full of educators and public school advocates. Amid several panel discussions about the industry from education leaders of various backgrounds, the Scene caught up with Bowman-Jeffries to talk about the documentary. At first, she said she felt a bit worried that people would judge her and how she goes about her work, but she was also excited for people to see what it's like to be a teacher from her perspective. Bowman-Jeffries also described the joy she feels when she can help students understand that they are loved and valued, and to watch them develop self-confidence as they learn.
Bowman-Jeffries is not alone in this sentiment.
“In all of the tasks and responsibilities and emotional burdens thrown at us, I dedicate everything I have to try to be a good teacher, to be a good role model,” says Edens in the documentary. “Most teachers give their all to be in this field.”
The documentary is available to watch on the NPEF website.
