Upcoming PBS Documentary: Schools That Change Communities

UVTPC Blog Writer
Mar 26
2 min read

Across New Hampshire and Vermont, educators are continually exploring ways to make learning more meaningful, relevant, and connected to place. An upcoming PBS documentary, Schools That Change Communities, shines a light on schools across the country that are doing just that.

🎬 Airing on NH PBS (WORLD Channel):

April 6 at 7:00 PM
April 7 at 12:00 AM (midnight)
April 7 at 8:00 AM

👉 View the NH PBS schedule

Reimagining Where Learning Happens

While traditional classroom instruction remains the norm, this documentary explores a different approach—one where communities and local environments become the classroom.

The film highlights public schools that engage students through real-world experiences rooted in their neighborhoods and local landscapes. This approach not only changes how students learn, but also who they become as learners—encouraging curiosity, connection, and a sense of responsibility to place.

At a time when conversations about education often center on standards and testing, this film invites viewers to consider a broader vision of what school can be.

A Note from Our Perspective

We haven’t watched the full film yet, but after viewing the trailer (and admittedly tearing up a bit), it already feels closely aligned with the work happening across our region.

In many ways, it echoes the spirit of UVTPC’s Hopeful Stories videos—highlighting the inspiring, place-based learning experiences already happening right here in the Upper Valley. From outdoor classrooms to community partnerships, this kind of work is not hypothetical—it’s already taking root in our schools and organizations.

A Perspective Familiar to Our Region

Many educators in New Hampshire and Vermont are familiar with David Sobel and his long-standing work in place-based education.

Here’s what he shared about the film:

“Bob Gliner's film, Schools That Change Communities, is about schools as they should be. In this pedagogical age of ‘time on task,’ ‘direct instruction’ and a short-sighted emphasis on ‘Drill, Baby, Drill,’ Bob shows that school improvement can be healthy, engaging and lead to significant community involvement and improvement. Most often when I watch educational videos, I get choked up with anger about the wrong-headedness of the No Child Left Behind educational philosophy. Watching this film, I got choked up because Bob shows schools that manage a combination of academic rigor, community purpose and heart that is right on the money.”—David Sobel, Professor of Education, Antioch University New England; co-author of Place- and Community-Based Education in Schools

About the Filmmaker

Schools That Change Communities was created by Bob Gliner, an experienced documentary producer whose work has been featured on PBS stations nationwide. With a background in sociology and a focus on social change, his films often explore how institutions—like schools—can better serve individuals and communities.