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Empty Desks Trailer
Client
Just Jump Films
Project
Empty Desks
Role
DP | Producer | Post
Empty Desks is a documentary exploring the growing teacher shortage through intimate portraits of educators at different stages of their journey. It reveals the dreams of those who once felt called to inspire young minds—and the stark realities they now face inside today’s classrooms.
Beyond the headlines of student challenges, parental pressure, and classroom unrest, teachers are leaving the profession at historic rates. Through personal stories from educators on the frontlines and those preparing to enter the field, the series examines heartbreak, resilience, and the difficult questions facing a profession on the brink.
Julia Barrett
Former Educator
In December of 2022, I resigned my position as a K-8 health teacher in Philadelphia. Having just left a budding career teaching in private and public schools, coaching, and tutoring, I decided to take time away to figure out what my future in education will look like. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to bring my passion for working with young people and advocating for educators and students towards exploring the realities of the education profession today.
Carlos Ortega
Aspiring Educator
I'm a Junior Secondary Education Social Science Major at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I am also part of the Teacher Scholars Academy, a scholarship that focuses on preparing the next generation of impactful educators. I've always known that teaching is my calling, but in the society that we are moving into, I've has become unsure. Becoming a cast member in this film series is helping me to explore my options and to see where I fit into the education system.
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