The teacher's reality check hidden in 'Breaking Bad'
What's the story
Popular television series Breaking Bad gives a unique take on the struggles of a teacher. The show focuses on the money issues, lack of resources, and emotional stress that a teacher faces. By depicting these struggles through Walter White, Breaking Bad emphasizes real issues in the education system. Here's how accurately the series depicts them and what we can learn from it.
#1
Financial strain in teaching
One of the most important things highlighted in Breaking Bad was the financial strain on teachers. Walter White turned to illegal activity because he could not support his family on a teacher's salary. The story is the same for many educators, whose salaries hardly reflect their workload/responsibility. This representation highlights the need for better compensation/financial support for teachers to let them focus on their real job- educating students.
#2
Lack of resources in schools
The series also emphasizes the lack of resources in schools, a common problem faced by several educators. In Breaking Bad, Walter White is seen working with antiquated equipment and few supplies, much like in real life, where teachers have to either buy materials themselves or get creative with what little they have. This portrayal reiterates how important it is to adequately fund schools to equip them with essential teaching tools.
#3
Emotional stress and burnout
Another important issue highlighted through Breaking Bad is the emotional stress and burnout that teachers are subjected to. Walter White's story shows how crushing pressures can push people to make extreme choices. In reality, a lot of educators live with crippling stress owing to giant class sizes, administrative pressures, and inadequate support systems. Understanding this is key to putting measures in place to ensure teachers' mental wellness.
#4
Balancing personal life with professional duties
The fight to keep personal and professional life in check is another theme that Breaking Bad delves into. Walter White's double life as a teacher and criminal mirrors how difficult it is for educators to juggle responsibilities at work with their relationships and obligations back home. This speaks to the importance of supportive work environments that give teachers leeway and empathy when navigating their roles inside and outside school.