TV REVIEWS : ‘Portrait’ Singles Out 4 Teachers

Most people agree that the nation’s educational system is in a shambles, but as with any generality, that’s not the whole story. Meet four teachers who make you wish you could go back to school in “Campbell’s Portrait of a Teacher,” at 10 tonight and 2 p.m. Sunday on the Lifetime cable channel.

Rugged-looking Montana horseman Karl Wolf is an unlikely kindergarten teacher in a field dominated by women. In his playful classroom, Wolf provides a strong male role model whose warmth and creative style of “managed chaos” respects the individuality of his young charges and nurtures their natural eagerness to learn.

In Iowa City, fourth through sixth graders have learned both practical and life lessons by interviewing community members about how they dealt with loss, disability and illness. Under the guidance of teacher Sharon Thomas, the students put the material into a photo exhibition, a videotape and an 80-page book. The less tangible results? Compassion and community connectedness.

Former civil rights leader Bob Moses’ efforts to foster math literacy among minority students extend across the country. His innovative Algebra Project has given more than 9,000 at-risk children in urban areas the tools to pursue educational and career opportunities they might never have considered.

Lastly, Zoe Richards inspires responsibility and leadership in gifted 11th graders who meet physical and mental challenges living away from home, studying the natural world and operating a working farm.

Tune in for a glimpse at what education could be with widespread individual commitment and community support.