164pages
247mm x 168mm
Illustrated
ISBN 1 85856 359 3
September 2005

In the world of screen culture, the teacher is inevitably represented as a charismatic figure, able to tackle the deprivations or problems the students face and to form special relationships with them that no other staff colleague can. But how realistic are such representations, and - more importantly - what do real world teachers think about their reel world counterparts?
This book takes a closer look at the charismatic teacher as portrayed in films such as Goodbye, Mr. Chips and To Sir, With Love, and in television series such as Hearts and Minds and Teachers, and records the reactions of teachers to such portrayals.. It considers the eccentric, resilient or romantic - but always charismatic - teacher in inner city schools, private or state schools and contrasts them with the words of practising teachers about their work
Susan Ellsmore is a Head of Sociology, teaching in the joint sixth form of a secondary school in Bournemouth, and also works on the BA Multimedia journalism course at Bournemouth University.
This is a rarity - a PhD that is actually readable and enjoyable. - Mike Baker - BBC News Education Correspondent

To read the full article please visit the BBC Website
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/4866094.stm