When Joan Dameron Crisler, Principal of Dixon Elementary School, first took charge of her school fifteen years ago the majority of the students were performing below national norms. Today, that trend has been reversed and Dixon is now considered one of the best public schools in the city of Chicago. Produced, directed, and written by Tod Lending, THE PRINCIPAL is a PBS documentary that follows the passionate and daring Ms. Crisler as she runs her school and confronts issues of education while interacting with students, teachers, parents, school board members -- and even her hair dresser. Through these real-life encounters her unique vision of education and learning emerges. It is an approach to learning that will challenge viewers to rethink their own perceptions of education, and inspire many to demand the most from their schools.

Funding

The Joyce Foundation
WTTW PBS station

Awards

Local (Chicago) Emmy for best documentary

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