‘Beyond the Blackboard’: Inspiration Determines a Dream

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Seeing the little iconic golden crown emblem has sort of become an autograph for quality programming. It’s the sign of Hallmark branded products and while, most people may think of a meaningful greeting card when it comes to that name, what you are missing out on are some truly moving productions. beyond the blackboard

Beyond the Blackboard (2011) Hallmark Hall of Fame Review 

Ever since she can remember, Stacey aspires to be a teacher. It’s her dream; school is a haven from a home-life that was anything but happy. Years later, her decisions lead her to quit high school when she struggles to finish her education. Eight years later at twenty-four, Stacey (Emily VanCamp) is a mother married to her high school sweetheart, Greg (Steve Talley). Juggling a personal life, she finally earns a degree, and now wants to teach with the New Mexico public school district. Even though she’s hired, she assigned a class full of homeless children.

Determined to make things work, she uses her long-suffering gumption as she devotes much of her time to her class of twenty emotionally bruised, but clever students.

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Emily VanCamp ('Revenge,' 'Captain America: Civil War') stars in this #Hallmark Hall of Fame original about determination & dreams. Beyond the Blackboard – Inspiration Determines a Dream Share on X

Anytime there is a Hallmark Hall of Fame premiere, my family sits down and anticipates something superior from such a signature production line. Being a true story always lends credence to an account that will not only be well-rounded but emotional. A script or in this case, a teleplay based on actual events has a lot to live up to. It has a responsibility to display the humility and “authentic” feeling to the story. beyond the blackboard

Everyone in the cast is phenomenal. From the talents of the adults, including Emily, Treat Williams, and Steve (and even Nicki Aycox from the short-lived TV show Dark Blue puts in a heart-breaking performance) to the kids. Really though, it’s the kids who steal the show, sort of by default. Each and every one impresses, and everyone works together so well; there’s an authenticity in each tense scene. The palpable emotional connection and scenes are touching, even inspiring me to a few tears. Stacey is not just an advocate, she’s also a kind of inspiration to her students. Something that comes across on-screen in ways we’ve come to expect from such programs. beyond the blackboard

A heartbreaking, tender story that demonstrates some of the small ways a person can make a big difference in other’s lives. Beyond the Blackboard (also known as Let them Shine) is a wonderful, inspirational (true) story that teaches a form of mutual respect. It’s not always a happy film, but I do recommend it.

CONTENT: Many of the children come from broken homes. Fathers and mothers are in prison; one mother locked her children in the basement. Rebellious to a fault, a pre-teen smokes as do many of the parents. One parent must leave the shelter because of bad choices. We learn a sixteen-year-old becomes pregnant. The film is TVPG.