The March of Time: The Teachers’ Crisis

This documentary addresses the alarming decline in the number of qualified public school teachers in the U.S. since 1939, in the face of increasing student enrollment. Through a combination of narrative storytelling, charts, and dramatized episodes, it presents a stark portrayal of the educational crisis.

The film reveals that many teachers are inadequately trained, often referred to as "emergency" amateurs. It highlights the challenges faced by these educators, including instances where they struggle with the material they are supposed to teach. The documentary also points out that some individuals in teaching roles may not be psychologically fit for the profession, showcasing troubling interactions between teachers and students.

The March of Time: The Teachers’ Crisis is a significant historical document that captures a pivotal moment in American education. It serves as an important resource for collectors interested in educational history and the evolution of documentary filmmaking in the mid-20th century.