October Sky (1999)

Netflix: As the Soviet satellite Sputnik streaks across the heavens in October 1957, it’s a source of inspiration for 17-year-old Homer Hickam (Jake Gyllenhaal), who refuses to follow in his father’s footsteps laboring in West Virginia’s coal mines. Homer would rather reach for the stars — literally. Drafting a few friends, he sets about crafting a rocket to compete for a science-fair scholarship — and a chance to change his seemingly immutable future.

The relationship in this movie between the teacher and her students is a delight. Her use of questions, creativity, positive reinforcement, defending her students, etc. is well done. I loved the movie apart from this, but being a teacher, I have come back to those sections of this movie often. High on my list of inspirational movies about teaching.

~ by u2isgr8 on November 28, 2005.