There is a wide range of portrayals of teachers in films or television series. Some fictional teachers act as inspiration for their students while others are the foil in their story. Inspired by the 2025 Gulf Coast Reads selection, The Faculty Lounge by Jennifer Mathieu, here’s our list of teachers on screen that inspire and others that need improvement:
Stellar Performances
Mr. Keating, Dead Poets Society
Robin Williams' performance as John Keating was so inspirational that countless teachers would play this movie for us in class. So thank you, Mr. Keating, for being there for the teachers and students who needed a movie day.
Ms. Frizzle, Magic School Bus
Science teacher Ms. Frizzle, or “The Frizz,” taught with a style all her own. Known for her outfits, her pet lizard Liz, and her Magic School Bus adventures, her eccentricities made her all the more lovable to her students.
Mr. Kotter, Welcome Back, Kotter
Mr. Kotter (portrayed by the always brilliant Gabe Kaplan) is a sarcastic, wisecracking, but big-hearted teacher who returns to his old high school to teach a group of rowdy remedial students known as “The Sweathogs.” He used humor, empathy and real-talk to connect with and mentor the Sweathogs. He believed in them when nobody else did, proving that a teacher who cares can make all the difference.
Miss Honey, Matilda
Miss Honey was the ideal kindergarten teacher. She was kind, caring, and encouraging. With Miss Honey, Matilda finally found where she belonged.
Mr. Feeny, Boy Meets World
FEEEEEEEEENYYYYY. Mr. Feeny was always there to provide some sound advice for Cory and answer Eric Matthews' call. He probably should have moved in season one.
Dewey Finn, School of Rock
Even though he lied his way into a substitute position as Mr. Schneebly, Dewey Finn’s lessons on rock gave the kids an outlet to express themselves. Inspiring him to change careers from struggling rockstar to music teacher.
Ms. Teagues, Abbott Elementary
The entire staff at Abbott Elementary is exemplary, but none more than second-grade teacher Janine Teagues. Ms. Teagues’ passion, determination, and endless supply of optimism make a difference for her school and students.
Ms. Norbury, Mean Girls
Ms. Norbury was the only teacher equipped to call out the girls’ behavior at North Shore High. She genuinely wants the best for her students and that's why she pushes them to do their best. She’s a pusher.
Needs Improvement
Professor Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter series
Professor Dumbledore was a great man, but his hiring record and teaching methods are questionable, not to mention that he played favorites and rigged the point system so that the Gryffindors won the House Cup.
Señor Chang, Community
Ben Chang had many roles at Greendale Community College, but we cannot forget his first as the Spanish teacher. Without his ineffective teaching, the Study Group may have never formed, and it would have been one of the darkest timelines.
Miss Trunchbull, Matilda
Miss Agatha Trunchbull hates children so much, she denies ever having been one. Her punishments are cruel and questionable (see the Chokey). Her exit from Crunchem Hall was met with joy from all the children.
The Economics Teacher, Ferris Bueller's Day Off
The monotone Economics Teacher is so boring, he didn’t even get a name. Ferris made the right decision to skip class that day.
Walter White, Breaking Bad
Walter White is a complicated individual, and he may have his reasons, but as a teacher, it’s probably best not to blackmail a former student into your illegal business.
Will Schuester, Glee
It’s called the Glee club, not the “Mr. Schuester sings and dances to mildly inappropriate songs for school” club. Let’s not even go into his other offenses.
Mr. Hand, Fast Times at Ridgemont High
When you think of a high school history teacher, you think of Mr. Hand. He may think everyone is on drugs but just be sure to not waste his time.
Mr. Dunne, Half Nelson
Ryan Gosling delivers an amazing performance as the flawed Mr. Dunne, an exceptional teacher with a drug habit. Be sure to check out Half Nelson on Kanopy.
Comment if there are any teachers we left off! Or if you agree or disagree with their placement. And be sure to join Gulf Coast Reads for An Evening with Jennifer Mathieu on October 13 at 6:30 PM.
Add a comment to: Grading the Graders: Good and Not-So-Good Onscreen Teachers