Top Teen
Our lives have been forever touched by these educators, whose teachings still affect us. Here are our picks for the most memorable educators, the good kind.
Selected by David Bjerre.
 |
Dead Poets Society (1989) Robin Williams as John Keating The students at Welton Academy for Boys have a good idea of what to expect when their new english teacher arrives. More of the same boring old drivel, but they are in for quite a surprise. Mr. Keating will change their lives in ways they never thought was possible. Words of wisdom: "I stand upon my desk to remind myself that we must constantly look at things in a different way." |
 |
 |
Accepted (2006) Lewis Black as Uncle Ben He's a drunk, he lives in a camper outside a fake college, but Uncle Ben, the new principal at South Harmon Institute of Technology knows more about life than most people. Words of wisdom: "This is not your orientation, this is your DISorientation! You have been orientated for years! Don't come up to me and say "What am I gonna do?" I*M NOT INTERESTED! You figure it out!" |
 |
 |
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) Harrison Ford as The Principal We're not sure what he does in this film, as his scenes were deleted, but come on, Harrison Ford would be a great teacher by any measure. Words of wisdom: "It's a cruel world out there..." |
 |
 |
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) Brendan Gleeson as Professor Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody Turning a student into a ferret has got to count as one of the coolest things ever done by a teacher, so who cares if it's impossible to get away with anything in his class. Words of wisdom: "You need to know what you're up against, you need to be prepared!" |
 |
 |
Take the Lead (2006) Antonio Banderas as Pierre Dulaine Mr. Dulaine teaches ballroom dancing to students to help them be all they can be. The only thing more crazy than that is that it actually works! Words of wisdom: "Now, if your 16 year old daughter is strong and secure, and trusts herself, how likely is she to let some idiot knock her up? And if your son can learn to touch a girl with respect, how will he treat women throughout his life?" |
 |
 |
Dangerous Minds (1995) Michelle Pfeiffer as Louanne Johnson She's an ex-Marine with an ear for poetry. A pretty blond with deadly moves. And she's the last best hope for the kids at the Palo Alto high school. Words of wisdom: "There are no victims in this classroom." |
 |
 |
Half Nelson (2006) Ryan Gosling as Dan Dunne He may be a dope-fiend, but on those rare days when he can actually see out of his glazed eyes he brings his students some solid learning. Words of wisdom: "The only constant is change." |
 |
 |
Donnie Darko (2001) Noah Wyle as Prof. Kenneth Monnitoff Some things are better left unsaid, so when Donnie asks his teacher about time travel he mans up and does the right thing: He says nothing. If only more teachers would shut up, we'd have some better schools. Words of wisdom: "I am not going to be able to continue this conversation." |
 |
 |
Stick It (2006) Jeff Bridges as Burt Vickerman They say "those who can't do, teach", so Haley Graham (Missy Peregrym) is in for quite a ride when former Olympic gymnast Burt Vickerman takes her under his wing. And when he's not taunting his hardworking students, their parents will get a piece of his mind. Words of wisdom: "Don't get any blood on the equipment." |
 |
 |
Raise Your Voice (2004) John Corbett as Mr. Torvald With leather pants and grunge hair, Mr. T has got the hippie look down, but he can still spot who's a conniving witch and who's a beautiful songbird. Words of wisdom: "This piece is gonna drive you nuts, but when you nail it, it feels gooooood." |
 |
Tell us what you thought about this Top Teen list!
Did we miss something? If so, send you own suggestion and we may compile a reader-suggested version of this list. You can send your suggestions from this page.