Here is the basic plot that I found on line...
"Beyond the Blackboard", a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, aired Easter Sunday on CBS. The film, starring Emily VanCamp, shares the plight of America's homeless children. It not only addresses their lost education. It also reveals their basic need to feel value as human beings.
Based on a true story, "Beyond the Blackboard" uncovers the life of Stacey Bess (VanCamp), a young mother and new teacher. Eager to begin her life in education, Bess thinks she is prepared for almost anything. Unfortunately, she is soon proven wrong. Bess is assigned to a school that doesn't exist in the most traditional sense. It has no name. It has no classroom. It has no desks, textbooks or supplies. It is assigned no principal or janitor. In fact, all it does have is about 20 students of varying ages. They have only one thing in common. They are all homeless.
The so-called school takes place in a makeshift homeless shelter. The parents are cautious and suspicious. Some are distracted by their own problems. Others don't believe their children need an education. A few just want their children to have a chance at success in life. All of them look at the young teacher with uncertainty and some sense of lingering hope.
The situation seems overwhelming at first and Bess thinks about giving up after the first day. She doesn't though, because she doesn't want her children to see her quit. Instead, she keeps going and quickly discovers she has stumbled upon the most rewarding work of her life.
Bess finds a way to work the system so she can get her students what they need, including the basic necessities of life. She lobbies with school officials and she enlists the skills of shelter residents to help her. She even gets her husband to coach sports. Slowly, she begins to make a lasting difference in the lives of some of America's forgotten children.
"Beyond the Blackboard" is both eye-opening and challenging. It shows how the strength and courage of a single individual can make an ever-lasting difference in the lives of many. All it really requires is a leap of faith and the willingness to serve.
Stacey Bess continued to teach homeless children for eight years. Now she tours the country and lobbies on behalf of their educational rights.
Based on a true story, "Beyond the Blackboard" uncovers the life of Stacey Bess (VanCamp), a young mother and new teacher. Eager to begin her life in education, Bess thinks she is prepared for almost anything. Unfortunately, she is soon proven wrong. Bess is assigned to a school that doesn't exist in the most traditional sense. It has no name. It has no classroom. It has no desks, textbooks or supplies. It is assigned no principal or janitor. In fact, all it does have is about 20 students of varying ages. They have only one thing in common. They are all homeless.
The so-called school takes place in a makeshift homeless shelter. The parents are cautious and suspicious. Some are distracted by their own problems. Others don't believe their children need an education. A few just want their children to have a chance at success in life. All of them look at the young teacher with uncertainty and some sense of lingering hope.
The situation seems overwhelming at first and Bess thinks about giving up after the first day. She doesn't though, because she doesn't want her children to see her quit. Instead, she keeps going and quickly discovers she has stumbled upon the most rewarding work of her life.
Bess finds a way to work the system so she can get her students what they need, including the basic necessities of life. She lobbies with school officials and she enlists the skills of shelter residents to help her. She even gets her husband to coach sports. Slowly, she begins to make a lasting difference in the lives of some of America's forgotten children.
"Beyond the Blackboard" is both eye-opening and challenging. It shows how the strength and courage of a single individual can make an ever-lasting difference in the lives of many. All it really requires is a leap of faith and the willingness to serve.
Stacey Bess continued to teach homeless children for eight years. Now she tours the country and lobbies on behalf of their educational rights.
I have not found when the next one is on but as soon as I do I will let you know. :)
I love Hallmark movies! I love you too!! I feel it has been so so so long since we have seen each other. I think of you often and hope you are happy and well. I love you!
ReplyDelete