When previewing the film Teach Me To Be WILD, Mount Madonna School (MMS) Dean of Students Bob Caplan said he experienced a rare combination of stillness, inspiration and compassion. The subtitle of the documentary offers this clue: “A story of hurt children and their animal healers.”
Recently Caplan and faculty member Ward Mailliard learned about an opportunity to host a presentation of the film for MMS middle school students.
“After watching the documentary, we knew our learning community would connect with the animals, caretakers and students,” said Caplan. “We were able to arrange time on April 18 for our middle school students to have this experience, and we plan to bring this to our high school students next year.”
Teach Me To Be WILD explores the work of Wildlife Associates, a sanctuary in Northern California, where injured, non-releasable wild animals become “wild teachers” and are helping heal generations of hurt children. The traumatic histories of the creatures, who range from an Andean condor to a two-toed sloth, often parallel those of the at-risk youth who visit. Unexpected connections are forged that ripple into stories of transformation. Founded by Steve Karlin, a former park ranger whose greatest mentors were a 330-pound American black bear and a pair of robins, the sanctuary’s work recalls us to our true place in Nature’s web. With intimate access to the animals, their caregivers, workshop facilitators and their spirited students, this film captures the magic that transpires where wounded children and their wild teachers meet.
A statement by Chris Koch, a teacher at Switzerland’s International School of Zug and Luzern, written after he watched the film, captured the experience of many of the MMS students and adults in the room: “In this inspirational short documentary, emotionally injured teens are paired with injured and abused wild animals, and both are healed in deep and profound ways. Teach Me To Be WILD provides an authentic platform to teach young adults ways to cut through the noise and chaos of their daily lives to find an innate inner voice that can guide them through the difficult challenges they face.”
Along with the documentary’s filmmakers Anne Veh and Rajesh Krishnan, the process was powerfully facilitated by John Malloy, who figured prominently in the film as the mentor and guide for the students who engaged with the animals. Malloy prepared the MMS students and faculty before the film and guided them through a post-film reflection.
“We were both very moved by the presence and passion of the students,” said Veh and Krishnan in a written communication shared this week. “Three quarters of the students stood (one after another, patiently) to share heartfelt reflections and insights – each voice strong, articulate and unique with emotions ranging from quiet rage to empathy. We felt the teacher’s deep respect and care for each student in quiet subtle ways, modeling trust and setting firm yet loving boundaries with the students. The diverse, deep and insightful reflections of the children are a reflection of the special education and vision of your school. We can envision these students becoming socially and environmentally responsible leaders of tomorrow.”
“It is fair to say that many of us could recognize aspects of ourselves in the wounded youth as they moved toward wholeness through the deep bonds they formed through caring and spending time with the injured wild animals,” commented Mailliard. “In our reflection circle there was an open sharing from the students and faculty about how we were touched by the film. Many spoke eloquently about how the film related to our personal quest for wholeness, authenticity and emotional well-being. It was gratifying to see our students express their deep caring for the health of other living beings. They spoke eloquently of how they were touched, what they learned, and how the well-being of all living creatures is important health of humanity, and indeed the health of our planet.”
More information on the film and screenings is available at https://teachmetobewild.com
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Contact: Leigh Ann Clifton, Director of Marketing & Communications,
Nestled among the redwoods on 355 acres, Mount Madonna School (MMS) is a community of learners dedicated to creative, intellectual, and ethical growth. MMS supports its students in becoming caring, self-aware, discerning and articulate individuals; and believe a fulfilling life includes personal accomplishments, meaningful relationships and service to society. The CAIS and WASC accredited program emphasizes academic excellence, creative self-expression and positive character development. Located on Summit Road between Gilroy and Watsonville. Founded in 1979.
