Mr. Advocate01
A fuller view of the people in the conflict.
Consider the same situation from a teacher’s, school leader’s, student’s, and family’s perspective. Examine how pressure can shape decisions and how those decisions are experienced by others.
School Dismissed presents
Mr. Advocate.
30 minutes · Narrative fiction
A narrative fiction film for educators.
School Dismissed presents · A film by Stacie McClam
Film. Reflection. A next step together.
Help your staff see the pressures shaping school, and the students living with them.
A shared story and a guided conversation about what your school values, what gets in the way, and what your team can do next.
Explore the intended outcomesOfficial trailer
Mr. Advocate · A narrative fiction film for educators · 01:07
The story
About the Film
At an urban elementary school under heavy pressure to raise test scores, new teacher Nathan Edwards tries something different. He brings back afternoon recess and launches a creative AI Show for his students. His principal, accountable for results and wary of anything that pulls time from test prep, moves to shut it down.
Students and parents push back, and the conflict reaches the superintendent. In the end, shared loss and honest conversation help both educators see each other clearly and rethink what school should really be about.
The conversation worth making time for
How do we pursue results without losing sight of the children, teachers, and relationships behind them?
Mr. Advocate puts that tension on screen. Your staff can begin with Nathan and his principal, then connect the story to the choices being made in your own building.
Intended outcomes
What should your team leave with?
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Clearer language for what school is for.
Talk about the tension between test preparation, creativity, recess, and student experience. Name what your team wants to protect while working toward academic expectations.
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A starting point for difficult conversations.
Use the film’s characters and choices as a shared reference point. The SCREEN guide gives the facilitator a structure for inviting staff into the discussion.
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A next step your team can name.
Connect the discussion to a school routine, decision, or relationship your staff wants to examine. Close with a focused question or action to return to after the screening.
From viewing to reflection
A 60-minute experience with a purpose for each part.
30 minutes · The film
Watch a shared story.
Meet Nathan Edwards, his principal, and a school community navigating pressure, disagreement, and the question of what school should be.
30 minutes · The conversation
Make meaning together.
Connect the choices in the film to your staff’s own context. Bronze and Silver include the SCREEN discussion guide; Gold is led by Stacie.
Pre- and post-surveys sit around the screening experience so participants can share their perspectives before and after.
Compare levels of supportThe film in community
Already bringing educators into the room.
Screened By
Uplift Movement
Uplift Movement, an educational nonprofit that cultivates and celebrates educators who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.
Its 2026-27 Fall Kick Off brought its Teachers of Color and Indigenous Teachers mentorship cohorts together for an exclusive showing of Mr. Advocate.
The educator behind the film
Stacie McClam
Filmmaker. Educator. Author.
Stacie brings the realities of public education into view through film, creating a shared starting point for conversations about the experience of being in school.
Meet StacieUniversities, conferences & speaking
Bring Mr. Advocate beyond K–12.
Request campus licensing information, or tell Stacie about your conference audience and preferred date. Pricing and agreements are prepared for each institution or event.
Explore special screeningsSchools can choose Bronze, Silver, or Gold. Universities and events receive their own information and agreement after a short request.
Before you book
A few practical details.
How long should we plan for?
One SCREEN Session is 60 minutes: a 30-minute film followed by a guided conversation. Silver adds a second 60-minute session.
When can we access the film?
Film access is 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. in your school’s time zone on the screening day. Bronze and Silver screening days must be used within 60 days of purchase. Gold is one 60-minute session on the date and at the time chosen by the school leader, subject to confirmation.
Can our school request an invoice?
Yes. Choose Request an Invoice and provide your school, contact, session, and purchase order details if available. Requests are reviewed before an invoice is sent.
Does Stacie need to attend?
Bronze and Silver are designed for your school to lead. Gold includes Stacie’s facilitation virtually or in person.
What about universities or conferences?
Choose Universities, conferences & speaking and share your audience and date. School package pricing does not determine university or event pricing; the relevant information and agreement are sent after review.
Bring the story into your school
Make room for the conversation.
Give your team a way to begin.
Choose the support that fits your staff and bring Mr. Advocate to your next professional learning session.