Watch Teacher of the Year

In the independent comedy-drama film Teacher of the Year, we meet Mitch Carter (played by Matt Letscher), a beloved and highly respected high school teacher who is the reigning recipient of the prestigious California Teacher of the Year award. The story is set around the period when the announcement for the current year's Teacher of the Year award is about to be made.

Mitch has amassed a huge following through his inspiring teaching methods, witty humor, and a deep understanding of his students' lives. However, things begin to unravel for him, as his personal life takes the front seat, possibly jeopardizing his chances of re-winning the Teacher of the Year award. There is a stark contrast between his public image and his private life, which is slowly becoming more chaotic. The film highlights the pressure that teachers go through behind closed doors, and how they're just like any other regular human with their problems and fears.

One of Mitch's biggest challenges is the pressure to repeat his Teacher of the Year win from the previous year. The school's management is pushing him to repeat the feat as it would boost its reputation, and in turn, boost its financial standing with the government. This leads to the growth of the toxicity already present in his professional life. As a result, we see the power dynamics in the American education system and how it affects the teachers' and students' experiences.

We are also introduced to his colleagues, the "oddball" Vice Principal Tom "Big T" Bruce (played by Key of Comedy Central's "Key and Peele" fame) and fellow English teacher, the young Spanish expat and love interest Francesca (Sunny Mabrey). Big T, a former basketball coach turned administrator, is Mitch's biggest competition, and the two have an enjoyable, intriguing, and complex relationship. Francesca, the new English teacher who has moved from Spain to America, offers an external romantic interest and a unique perspective, acting as a sounding board to Mitch's problems.

What makes Teacher of the Year distinctive is the nuanced human relationships and the emphasis on authenticity. The interplay between Mitch and his students enables the audience to identify with the challenges students face every day, offering a sympathetic lens in the teacher-student dynamic. Meanwhile, his interactions with his colleagues highlight the complex bond between Mitch and his colleagues.

The film also showcases some of the real issues that high school teachers encounter regarding their personal lives, like finding love and developing relations outside of school walls. You get a glimpse of the stereotypes surrounding teachers to be boring and rigid, but the story tears down those perceptions, revealing the personal side of teachers.

The cinematography is brilliant, highlighting the beauty of California in all its glory, and capturing the essence of the classroom with the kids' colorful and vibrant personalities. The chemistry between the actors also engages the audience, thanks to well-written personalities and the actors' talents.

In conclusion, Teacher of the Year describes the daily challenges that teachers go through and the toxicity of teaching in a system where winning is paramount. It is an honest take on the life of a high school teacher, showcasing the joys and pains of personal and professional life, and the importance of human connections in life. It is a must-watch for anyone who has ever had a teacher who had a significant impact on their life as it will compel you to look at teachers in a new light.

Teacher of the Year is a 2015 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.3.