The Substitute Teacher (screenplay‪)‬

This is a Screenplay based upon the novel 'The Substitite (teacher)'  by Shane Kaelle. copyright. 2006.
21st century fiction based upon 90% fact.
Merin, at 44, has an objective when she returns to college to study science.
She will teach in urban schools where the drop out rate is in excess of 60%. Throughout the story (true) dialogues take place where she gets her students to think beyond the 'chaotic and complicated' world that faces them. The world that many deny. They are 'ignorant' of their options. But they are so smart, fun, capable, and contrary to what is put out there – most all of them 'can read and comprehend very well'. There is just 'no' 'expectation' that they should ! How ironic – in the scheme of things. Her philosophy is 'tell kids the truth'. The students give Merin opportunities to offer possible resolutions to the matters in question that are upsetting the balance and harmony in our world.
Merin grew up during the Sixties (Vietnam). Her father, Nick, was the music director at a Military Academy. His students were drafted or enlisted as officers. Her mother Theresa, was educated at a Catholic Boarding School 'on scholarship' and graduated Salutatorian. Theresa's highest ambition was to teach elementary school and to have children. Flashbacks about the people whom.... and circumstances that.... influenced Merin's values and life style weave the main plot. Foremost is Merin's sense of EQUITY and COMPASSION for those less fortunate but the appreciation for nature, music, reading/knowledge, physical exertion, and thinking ahead were patterned as well.
Merin and her best friend Maggie vow not to have children until they are 30. Unplanned, Merin begins raising precocious children a decade too soon. Merin worries about over-population but she has 4 children. Two came at once. Hence, one of her internal conflicts.
Gabe, Merin's husband is a dedicated father and supportive husband. By opting-out of a career after calculating that her salary didn't pay enough for
childcare, her mostly at home lifestyle contributes to periodic suspicions and an underlying, unsubstantiated plot of uncertainty exists about complete fidelity. The FEMINISTin her RISES with REGRETS. These encounters segue into flashbacks from Merin's past where she recaptures the romance of youth which are fun and exciting.
Raising 4 DAUGHTERS, Merin fights hard to tell them the truth about the world without being so skeptical as to propagate depression or despair about the global future. Their father, Gabe is one of 4 sons and this variable this creates great conflict. He has no clue. He is 'way laid back'. Their priorities become more and more divergent. As to be expected, the girls have a better relationship with their dad but as they mature, subtle signals let Merin know that they 'get their mom'. The older the girls get, the clearer things become for Merin - not just about her own life but about humanity and a sustainable future. She wants to help people. She acknowledges that many people feel the exact same way.