Kickstarter

What is TEACHING RURAL AMERICA?

TEACHING RURAL AMERICA is a feature- length documentary film about one mom's journey inside rural schools across America. It gives teachers, students, parents, administrators, faculty and staff the opportunity to express their feelings of concern for the state of education in our country. This documentary looks beyond the four walls of the classroom to discover what more is going on behind the scenes of our schools. Are schools really failing? Is it the teacher?  Is it the student?  Is it the family? 

Rural schools are in danger of being shut down. Unrealistic state and federal mandates are making it impossible for small schools to succeed; therefore, landing them on the failing list. School is no longer about learning; it's about "making the grade" and "passing the test."  But unrealistic state and federal mandates are only one part of the problem. Not only are schools feeling the pressure to perform but our children are also caught in the middle. Has anyone stopped to think about how our children must feel?  What would happen if small schools across America were shut down?  What would happen to our children and rural communities? 

Hi, my name is Lisa Harris the producer of this documentary film. I have been involved in public education for many years. My husband, a teacher of twenty-four years, and I have witnessed first hand how public education has changed and become more challenging for all involved--teacher and student. But not only has public education changed but our society has changed also.  For example, the way we view and value "family" has changed. The way we view and value our "children" has changed.  The way we view and value our "life" has changed. 

I believe that now is the time for a people and a nation to take their place and stand up for what is right and protect the future of our children and our country. This film is my opportunity to bring a story to life, create a stir in the hearts and minds of people, and bring awareness to how the changes in our society are affecting many facets of life.    

Where will your money go?

$55,000 is the "barebones" or least amount to make this a quality film.  After the fees for using Kickstarter, we will be left with $50,000 for the film. Your generous donations will go to equipment, crew, permits, post-work, and everything else needed to make this film a success.

What happens if we exceed our budget? 

As most of you know, Kickstarter is an "all or nothing" platform. We must hit the budget or we get nothing. If we go over budget, every penny you donate will go into making this film and making it the greatest it can be.         
 

 I need your help.  In order to continue production, I am enlisting you, the Kickstarter viewer, to join with us on the journey to completing this film.  Your gracious gifts will be forever treasured and appreciated. From our partnership, we can say, "We stood together in order to make a difference."

Thank You....
Lisa Harris