Deep Dive: The Learning (2011)
Film Lens

The Learning tells the story of four Filipina women who leave their families and schools in the Philippines to teach in Baltimore. This shift is part of a larger trend where American schools are now recruiting Filipino teachers, reversing the historical context of American educators establishing the public school system in the Philippines a century ago.
The film focuses on the personal sacrifices these women make in hopes of improving their families' lives through higher salaries. It provides a glimpse into their lives, the cultural exchange, and the impact of their decision on both their families in the Philippines and their new roles in the American education system.
Why Watch
- •Meet four Filipina teachers making a difference in Baltimore.
- •Find out how teaching abroad impacts families in the Philippines.
- •See the reversal of American and Filipino educational roles.
Did You Know
•One hundred years ago, American teachers set up the public school system in the Philippines.
•The film features four Filipina women who teach in Baltimore.
•The documentary runs for 84 minutes.
Perfect For
Filipino diaspora storiesEducation reformCultural exchange