Warm Up• Brainstorm a list of at least 7-10 TV

shows in which school or teachers are the main feature of the show.

Teachers on TV

Teachers on TV• Wikipedia lists over 70 TV shows

(from 1952 to the present) that have featured teachers.

• Often, TV teachers are either there to be outwitted by the students or to be the students’ best friend.

• Stereotypes often reflect an accepted belief about teachers.

The Stereotypes …

Teacher Stereotype #1: Youthful and Idealistic

• Teachers on TV and in movies are naïve and idealistic.

• They are unprepared for the reality of teaching and don’t seem to have ever been in a classroom before.

• But they believe that they’re going to change the world.

Teacher Stereotype #2: They get cynical advice

• Veteran teachers don’t support the new teacher.

• They tell them their ideas won’t work, the students aren’t smart enough, etc.

• The veteran, cynical teacher often says things like, “I’ve been here long enough to know that things won’t change.”

Teacher Stereotype #3: They Always Get the Worst

Class

• Students are often out of control – throwing things, sitting on top of desks, ignoring the teacher, etc.

• Classrooms are in disrepair – they’re in the basement, broken furniture, etc.

• The bell rings not long after class begins and the teacher hasn’t accomplished anything.

Teacher Stereotype #4: The Principal is No Help

• Principals are insulated from the real world of the school.

• They are often in their office and don’t know what’s going on in classrooms.

• They are either incompetent, indifferent, or bullies, who try to intimidate others.

What other stereotypes can you think of?