In the world of screen culture, the teacher is inevitably represented as a charismatic figure, able to tackle the deprivations or problems the students face and to form special relationships with them that no other staff colleague can. But how realistic are such representations, and what do real world teachers think about their reel world counterparts? This book takes a closer look at the charismatic teacher as portrayed in films such as "Goodbye, Mr. Chips" and "To Sir, With Love", and in television series such as "Hearts and Minds", and "Teachers", and notes the reactions of classroom teachers to such portrayals. It considers the eccentric, resilient or romantic - but always charismatic - teacher in inner city schools, private or state schools, and contrasts them with the words of practising teachers about their work.