One hundred years ago, American teachers established the English-speaking public school system of the Philippines. Now, in a striking turnabout, American schools are recruiting Filipino teachers. “The Learning” is the story of four Filipina women who reluctantly leave their families and schools to teach in Baltimore. With their increased salaries, they hope to transform their families’ lives back in their impoverished country. The documentary film follows these four Filipino teachers as they take their place on the frontline of the No Child Left Behind Act. Across the school year’s changing seasons, the film chronicles the sacrifices they make as they try to maintain a long-distance relationship with their children and families, and begin a new one with the mostly African-American students whose schooling is now entrusted to them. Their story is intensely personal, as each woman deals with the implications of her decision to come to the U.S., and fundamentally public, as they become part of the machinery of American education reform policy. The women bring idealistic visions of the teacher’s craft and of life in America, which soon collide with Baltimore’s tough realities.

Director Ramona Diaz is also working on her next project “Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey” about Arnel Pineda, the new lead singer of Journey.

The Learning by Ramona Diaz on PBS