Is Miss Honey a Good Teacher?

from Pop Pedagogy · host The Open Learning Collective

In this episode, Melissa and Nichole get deep about Miss Honey's perhaps inappropriate relationship with Matilda, and how teachers and students cope with trauma in the classroom. This one's a little more somber, but an important discussion. Grab your snacks and get into it with us!

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Nov 1, 2024

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What this episode covers

In this episode of Pop Pedagogy, Nichole and Melissa dive into the character of Miss Honey from the 1996 film Matilda. They explore her role as a teacher and her complex relationship with Matilda, touching on themes of trauma, abuse, and resilience. They debate Miss Honey’s gentle nature, viewing her as both a nurturing figure and, arguably, an enabler of the harsh environment fostered by Miss Trunchbull. The hosts discuss Miss Honey’s trauma and its effect on her teaching and highlight how teachers can support students in challenging situations, all while reflecting on the need for professional development and self-awareness for educators dealing with trauma. Ultimately, they praise Miss Honey’s good intentions while advocating for a more rounded approach to teacher preparedness, both personally and professionally.