The Student Teachers

Rachel Burton challenges the standard curriculum by introducing contraception, consent, and sexual health discussions. She also organizes after-school sessions and supervises students making an educational film addressing pornography and gender dynamics.

Administrators discover Burton's activities and parents file complaints alleging inappropriate content. The school defends her approach as addressing gaps in traditional sex education, but the controversy escalates.

Facing mounting backlash, Burton is dismissed from her position. The administrative response frames her methods as outside the approved curriculum, prompting questions about boundaries and reform.

Tracy Davis suggests integrating figure study through photography into art classes. Principal Peters rejects the proposal and insists on conventional lesson plans.

Davis pursues the photography project off-campus with student Mickey, using his family darkroom to explore lighting, composition, and artistic expression. The collaboration strains Davis's relationship with her boyfriend Alex, who objects to the subject matter and to Davis's involvement with a student.

Jody Hawkins mentors Carnell Smith through Second Chance, an alternative education program serving at-risk populations. When the program faces funding issues, she devises a plan to secure money without closing the program.

Hawkins develops a funding plan, coordinating with Smith and partners to keep the program afloat. The plan highlights the school's commitment to offering alternatives for single mothers, ex-convicts, and other at-risk students.

Hawkins infiltrates the drug operation Dinwiddie by posing as a buyer. The operation becomes a tense backdrop as Hawkins navigates danger and treachery to gather resources for Second Chance.

Working with Smith and others, Hawkins substitutes the heroin supply with fake product, triggering internal conflict within the criminal operation while generating funds for the school.

Across all three cases, Principal Peters and concerned parents continue to oppose the progressive moves. The resistance underscores the battles for public image and curriculum control.

The teachers weigh the viability of continuing their methods within Valley High and the allure of Second Chance as a platform for reform.

All three educators resign from Valley High School to join the staff at Second Chance, motivated by their shared vision for alternative education.

With the transition complete, the trio can expand their programs under Second Chance's umbrella, continuing to support students who are underserved by traditional schools.