The Filmmaking Team
Tom Adams
Tom is a documentary filmmaker based in North Carolina. He grew up on a farm in rural Wake County. In 1971, he graduated from the US Naval Academy, serving on various ships before finishing his career with a war planning group focused on Soviet submarine bases. Following graduate school, he worked with large chemical and pharma companies in operational, engineering, and research and development roles. Retiring early in 2008, he now pursues a long-held dream of advancing social justice and equal opportunity. His chosen vehicle for change is education. Previously, he produced short films in collaboration with the Duke University Center for Documentary Studies in Durham, NC (see links below). School Days, a continuation of his documentary short work, is his first feature-length film.
LINKS TO PREVIOUS WORK
When I recount early experiences in school, most people naturally believe I am exaggerating. I’m not. I could not read a word until midway through my 4th-grade year. I was behind my peers and was disappointing the people I most wanted to please. I remember a real fear that they might give up on me; that I was somehow slower, inferior to the other kids. All this despite being the product of college-educated parents, who stressed the importance of school and provided a solid middle-class home. Then in the 4th grade, I had Mrs. Kozart as a teacher. I saw her as a savior. She believed in me and encouraged me. She gave me extra help and one-on-one attention. By the end of 4th grade I was caught up, maybe even a little ahead.
All of these years later, I am both haunted and encouraged by my experiences. Haunted because I see how easily a child can be left behind, even one with many advantages. But also encouraged because I know what is possible with the right support and with a great teacher. School Days is about our obligation to provide good schools and great teachers for all of our children. I believe this is our best hope for the future.
— Tom Adams, Filmmaker