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We all likely have that one teacher who inspired us, the one instructor who shaped our worldview, the one who made a lasting impression on us. If not, we surely remember somebody from one of the countless movies made about the role models who taught their students to like poetry, pick up the violin, or strike a badass power chord. Here are ten men and women who changed the lives of the young people they influenced.

John Keating, 'Dead Poets Society' (1989)

This beloved film features Robin Williams in one of his rare serious roles, playing an English teacher at an exclusive prep school who teaches his students to seize the day — and love literature in the process. [Where to stream Dead Poet’s Society]

Jaime Escalante, 'Stand and Deliver' (1988)

What’s definitely better than taking the AP Calc exam? Watching this inspirational film, based on a true story, in which Edward James Olmos teaches a group of students at an East Los Angeles high school calculus and saves their school from closure. [Where to stream Stand and Deliver]

Mark Thackeray, 'To Sir, With Love' (1967)

In an early twist of the inspirational-teacher-in-the-ghetto genre, Sidney Poitier plays an instructor who teaches a group of white kids in the East End of London. It’s particularly notable for its groovy mod look — including featuring pop singer Lulu in a small role (she also sang the film’s hit theme song). [Where to stream To Sir, With Love]

Glenn Holland, 'Mr. Holland's Opus' (1995)

Richard Dreyfuss plays the titular teacher whose life’s work involves three decades of shaping the musical minds of countless students. (Irony alert: he also has a deaf son who can’t even hear his music!) [Where to stream Mr. Holland’s Opus]

Jean Brodie, 'The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie' (1969)

Maggie Smith plays a teacher in Edinburgh, Scotland, who is — true to Maggie Smith form — quite headstrong with a romantic view of the world. Among her students at a conservative girls’ school are her four favorites, who are unable to break from the spell cast upon them by their impressive and endearing mentor.[Where to stream The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie]

Dewey Finn, 'School of Rock' (2003)

In Richard Linklater’s heartfelt comedy, Jack Black plays a failed musician who picks up an unlikely position: as a substitute elementary music teacher. While his methods are unorthodox (and, you know, he’s posing as his roommate, who originally got the assignment), he teaches his students about confidence and gives them the skills to perform in a band. [Where to stream School of Rock]

Melvin B. Tolson, 'The Great Debaters' (2007)

Denzel Washington (who also directed) stars as the real-life Wiley College professor Melvin B. Tolson who, in 1935, organized his students into a debate team and impressively took on the Harvard team. [Where to stream The Great Debaters]

Roberta Guaspari, 'Music of the Heart' (1999)

Wes Craven (yes, that Wes Craven) directs Meryl Streep in this crowd-pleasing film about a New York City woman who struggles to teach underprivileged students in Harlem the violin. (Don’t worry, there are no slashers.) [Where to stream Music of the Heart]

François Bégaudeau, 'The Class' (2008)

In this Oscar-winning, international hit, novelist François Bégaudeau plays a fictional version of himself. Following a year in the life of a Parisian schoolteacher, the film offers a look at a cross section of Paris society — particularly the ethnically diverse inner city. [Where to stream The Class]

Arthur Chipping, 'Goodbye, Mr. Chips' (1969)

Peter O’Toole nabbed an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of a dull, shy schoolteacher whose life and personality is drastically changed when he falls in love with and marries a London showgirl in this musical drama. [Where to stream Goodbye, Mr. Chips]