Teachers get “Superman” deal

In honor of teacher appreciation week, teachers can show a credential and get in to see Davis’ Guggenheim’s “Waiting for Superman” at a reduced rate through Thursday at Landmark’s Oriental Theater, 2230 N. Farwell Ave.

Despite the fact that it’s less than flattering to their unions and, some have argued, to teachers themselves, many educators have been curious to see the much-ballyhooed film for themselves.

Since its release in Milwaukee, both DC and NYC schools bosses Michelle Rhee and Joel Klein have left their jobs, making the film already outdated in some ways, though the basic discussion remains relevant.

You don’t have to agree with Guggenheim’s assertions — many of which have been adeptly countered by experts — to agree that the film has helped bring the discussion about public education in America back into the spotlight.

The downside is that many viewers take documentaries as gospel truth without further exploration.

If you haven’t seen the film yet, I encourage you to check it out and then read Diane Ravitch’s take (linked above). Then, get involved in your local public schools. Because, regardless what anyone says, superman is you.