Let the Little Light Shine tells a powerfully emotional, David versus Goliath story of a prestigious school’s struggle to survive institutional racism and gentrification. In 2013, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) ordered the closure of 49 underperforming learning centers. Included on this list was the National Teacher’s Academy (NTA), a Level 1+, the highest academic certification possible, K-8th grade school located in the South Loop. Documentary filmmaker Kevin Shaw chronicles NTA’s parents, students, and devoted teachers fight to save their school at the end of a 5-year moratorium.
In the winter of 2018, Elisabeth Greer, a college professor and parent of a daughter at NTA, leads a vocal protest through Chicago’s streets. She doesn’t buy the CPS reasoning for closing such a vaunted school. NTA is widely regarded as an unmitigated success in a city overrun by violent crime. The school board plans to combine nearby South Loop elementary and NTA into a high school. The new facility would primarily cater to the wealthy, predominantly white families that moved into the neighborhood.
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The film turns its focus to NTA’s principal, Isaac Castelaz, proudly marching students to the cafeteria for an assembly. The band falters when they try to play a difficult song. The music teacher asks them to try again with their classmates clapping loudly. They still can’t hit the right notes. Isaac thanks them for their effort as they look forlorn. He instructs the children that practice and dedication will help them perfect the music. There’s no shame in getting back up after failure. Everyone roars in approval. This scene begins to explain why NTA’s staff is so effective. Isaac sets high expectations, and then makes sure his kids have the right support to achieve their goals.
ITVS International
We are then introduced to two different sets of people. Tina Feldstein and John Jacoby represent the Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance (PDNA). They moved to the South Loop in 2013 as it begin to rapidly gentrify. New arrivals didn’t want their children attending South Loop elementary or NTA. Later, a white mother addresses the unsaid directly. She chose to send her kid to NTA because it was one of the city’s best schools. Others didn’t want their children going to a black school.
Audrey Johnson, an NTA employee and parent, discusses growing up in the Harold Ickes housing projects. They were demolished to make way for the NTA. Audrey worked tirelessly with Amy Rome, NTA’s first principal, to integrate the community with the new teachers. Their efforts paid off. NTA adopted a mantra of caring. Audrey starkly states, “Good schools saves children.” She refused to let CPS destroy the bedrock foundation of their home. She, Elisabeth Greer, and Isaac’s teaching staff organize to stop NTA’s closure.
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What Makes NTA Different
Kevin Shaw spends time to illustrate what makes NTA different. Taylor’s mother died when she was born. Raised by her grandmother, Olive, she has excelled in school and become a brilliant young lady. Olive credits her enrollment at NTA. We see Isaac counseling Yaa, a girl with a severe social anxiety disorder. He talks bluntly about his abject failure as a first year principal. Isaac had tremendous problems taking over from Amy Rome. He had to understand his students before being able to help them. Isaac doesn’t reward or tolerate bad behavior. He nurtures firmly. Isaac has been reprimanded by CPS for his actions against their plan. He would be fired if the board knew of his interviews. Isaac risks his career for the school.
Let the Little Light Shine shows the incredibly contentious battle for survival. Chance the Rapper enters the narrative. He witnessed the students protesting CPS at a heated board meeting. The PDNA and board members decry racism accusations. An NTA parent stands up and calls out the dog whistles. The city had never shut a high-performing school. The verbiage and plan offered by CPS and PDNA could not be ignored. They wanted a separate entrance for children coming from the moneyed South Loop. Audrey Johnson issues a dramatic supporting proclamation. NTA welcomes everyone from anywhere. A court decides the school’s fate when CPS remains intractable.
Let the Little Light Shine strikes at the heart of divisive issues. NTA’s supporters allegations of racism and gentrification stew in the pot of Chicago’s malaise. But the school’s success cannot be argued or denied. It serves as a beacon of education, safety, and hope for a thriving student body. NTA represents what can be achieved when everyone is committed to the greater good. The historic climax will leave you in tears.
Let the Little Light Shine is a production of ITVS International. It premiered at New York City’s IFC Center on August 26th. A staggered national theatrical rollout follows through September. PBS POV hosts the television debut on December 12th.
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