Kevin Stoller is joined by longtime educator and podcast host Steve Miletto to unpack the 1984 film Teachers, a gritty dramedy that offers an unflinching critique of the American public school system. Directed by Arthur Hiller and starring Nick Nolte, Teachers dives headfirst into the dysfunction, bureaucracy, and burnout often hidden behind school walls.

Set in a troubled urban high school, the story centers on idealistic teacher Alex Jurel, who’s caught between his desire to make a difference and a system that seems determined to maintain the status quo. With subplots involving a mentally ill teacher who was never removed, a student lawsuit, and apathetic staff, the movie blurs the line between satire and sobering reality.

Kevin and Steve discuss how many of the themes from Teachers—such as disengaged leadership, systemic failure, and student disillusionment—still resonate in today’s schools. Their conversation explores what’s changed (and what hasn’t) in the decades since the film’s release, the importance of strong school culture, and how educators can lead with purpose in the face of institutional challenges. It’s a raw and honest discussion about the role of teachers, the need for systemic change, and the heart it takes to truly connect with students.

Takeaways:

• Teachers (1984) offers a satirical yet sobering critique of the American public school system, many of which still resonate today.
• The character of Alex Jurel represents the struggle of passionate educators trying to make a difference within a broken system.
• The episode explores how authentic relationships and emotional intelligence are still the most powerful tools educators have.
• The discussion underscores the mental health toll on both students and teachers in rigid, outdated school environments.
• Despite the challenges, the film and the conversation both reinforce why committed, caring educators matter more than ever.

About Steve Miletto:

Steven Miletto, EdD has been an educator in Georgia(US) for 38 years. He has served public
school families as a history teacher, assistant principal, high school principal, and RESA
(Regional Education Service Agency) Executive Director in the Heart of Georgia RESA (8
years) and now with North Georgia RESA (3years). In 2009, he was the Georgia Principal of the
Year and a finalist for NASSP/MetLife National Principal of the Year in 2010. In 2007 he
received the Atlanta Braves/AT&T Educator of the Year Award. His focus in education is to help
kids achieve their dreams.

Learn More About Steve's Podcast, Teaching Learning Leading K12

Website: https://www.stevenmiletto.com/episodes/

Learn More About Steve Miletto

Website: https://www.stevenmiletto.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenmiletto/

Twitter: https://x.com/SRMiletto

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKFLbruqt3wFKTMQg56gDtg

Connect with host, Kevin Stoller:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/

Episode 227 of the Better Learning Podcast

Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.

For more information on our partners:

Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/

Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/

Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/

EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/

Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/

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