Lean on Me

I recently watched a movie called “Lean on Me”. It is based on the true story of Joe Clark, an
African-American teacher who became a principal and changed Eastside High School in Paterson, New
Jersey. The school had once been a hopeful place, but it had become a chaotic environment with lots of
drug use, violence, and poor academic performance – which I believe is a problem that many schools in
underprivileged areas are facing. As I watched it, it made me feel a lot of emotions about Joe Clark’s
journey. It amazed me how he used some unusual methods to discipline the students, like using a
bullhorn and a baseball bat which some students, parents, and faculty resisted his no-nonsense
approach. It was controversial, but I can really say it worked and through this discipline, he restored
order and academic success in the school. I can still remember my parents telling me about their time at
school. They had strict discipline, which taught them respect and molded their characters. I can also
remember how my elementary teachers disciplined us just to maintain peace inside our classroom.
Facing the board, standing in front of the blackboard for how many minutes, counting unending marbles,
and being thrown by erasers or whatever things our teachers were holding and I am proud to say that I
have experienced these disciplines because they shaped who I am today. What surprised me the most
was that “Lean on Me” is an old movie from the 1980s, but it still feels relevant today. Remembering my
past how hesitant I was to take education because I am a short-tempered person and as a pre-service
teacher, this movie is truly an inspiration for me. This shows me that as long as you are committed to
your work, to inspire, and to bring change, it will be easy for you no matter what hindrances will come
your way.

In terms of the curriculum, in my observation, it is more than traditional academics which

focuses on character development, discipline, and personal responsibility. The film highlights that it is
needed for a holistic approach to education, which is likely similar to the education program that we
have here in the Philippines. I can say that the socio-economic challenges faced by the students in “Lean
on Me” are comparable to those faced by many of our fellow Filipino students, who often come from
underprivileged backgrounds and struggle to have access to quality education.

In conclusion, the movie serves as an encouragement to us to reflect on the role of every

Filipino educator and the innovative approaches that they can take to address the various challenges
that my fellow Filipino students encounter. As a future educator it inspires me to think creatively about
how we can support hand in hand and empower future educators to be agents of change in their
communities, and how we can work together to create a brighter future for all Filipino students.