Teacher

There are 3.1 million public school teachers in the US Education system. Most are under paid, under appreciated, and misunderstood. As a result we're seeing a mass exodus from the profession, creating a massive shortage that is leading to dire consequences. In this raw and emotional documentary, we follow Nkanga Nsa on her inspiring journey to become a teacher in the nation's 3rd largest public school system, Chicago Public Schools. It begins with resident teaching in one of Chicago's Opportunity Schools, The Curtis School of Excellence. Located on the south side of Chicago, Curtis is a beacon of hope to a community that faces persistent violence and crippling poverty every day. Nkanga will join the ranks of a cohort of teachers that are changing the narrative about what it means to be a teacher in an underserved community. She'll spend a full school year training under the guidance of her mentor teacher, Chelsea Bennett, while pursuing a Master's Degree and balancing the responsibilities of being a mother.