Mar 27, 2011 · PREMIERING ON CBS APRIL 24, MARKS HALLMARK HALL OF FAME 60TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR Emily VanCamp Stars, with Timothy Busfield and Treat Williams;Film Based on …
A 24-year-old first-time teacher overcomes her initial fears and prejudices and makes a difference in the lives of the homeless children she teaches in a shelter's makeshift classroom.
In an epilogue to the original broadcast, Emily VanCamp introduced the real Stacey Bess, who spoke on behalf of education for the homeless.
Even though this is a Hallmark production, which means viewers see events of the movie through romanticized lenses, Beyond the Blackboard touches on a handful of tough subjects. One of the first few scenes shows a 16-year-old, pregnant Stacey, followed by an eight-year time jump to Stacey interviewing for a teaching position.
This movie is surprisingly real in its portrayal of difficult and nuanced themes for a Hallmark movie. That said, because it is still a Hallmark production, certain storylines are glossed over.