A new look at The Pursuit of Happyness. What happens when ambition affects more than just the person pursuing it?

This case study from the Lead or Follow? program uses The Pursuit of Happyness to explore the tension between perseverance, responsibility, and risk. Students examine whether long-term vision remains admirable when others share the consequences.

This is not a movie worksheet.
It is a structured leadership lab.

Core Focus

Students commit to a position before viewing The Pursuit of Happyness.
They test their thinking through scenario-based dilemmas.
They build a philosophical lens.
They analyze leadership decisions and consequences.
They revisit and defend their position using evidence.

The goal is not to decide whether a character is “right” or “wrong.”
The goal is to define where ambition crosses the line — and support that belief with reasoning.

What’s Included

Complete Teacher Guide (5-module structure)
Structured debate framework
Scenario-based pre-viewing dilemmas
Student Commitment Sheet
Lens-Building Activity
Film Analysis Trackers (Structured, Guided, and Open formats)
Final Reflection Activity
Debate Rubric

You will receive:

• Teacher Guide in DOCX and PDF formats
• Student Materials in DOCX and PDF formats

Everything is editable and classroom-ready.

Designed For

Grades 9–12
4–6 class periods

Perfect for leadership courses, character education, film electives, advisory, or secondary ELA/social studies classrooms.

About the Lead or Follow? Program

The Lead or Follow? series uses film-based case studies to explore leadership, character, and decision-making. Each case file follows a consistent, structured format that builds critical thinking, discussion skills, and evidence-based reasoning.

The post Lead or Follow? Case File #7 The Pursuit of Happyness – Responsible Ambition Under Pressure first appeared on Tracie Joy.

This is not a movie worksheet.

Students begin by taking a binary position on the claim:

“No one is coming to save you but you.”

They publicly commit, analyze real-world leadership dilemmas, build a shared vocabulary, track leadership decisions throughout the film, and revisit their original thinking in a structured closing debate.

This Case File transforms Coach Carter into a leadership case study.

What Makes This Different?

• Debate-first structure
• Flexible pacing (4–6 sessions)
• Built-in differentiation
• Three film tracker formats
• Sub-day friendly modules
• Growth-focused reflection
• Simple, teacher-friendly rubric

This is not busywork.

This is structured engagement.

What’s Included

Teacher Guide

• About the Series philosophy page
• Implementation Guide
• Discussion norms and safety guidance
• Five-module instructional arc
• Differentiation notes
• Two side-switch options (dramatic or quiet)
• Simple 16-point debate rubric

Student Materials

• Position Commitment Sheet
• Scenario Analysis Sheet
• Leadership Styles Lens Builder
• Film Tracker (Structured Version)
• Film Tracker (Guided Version)
• Film Tracker (Open Version)
• Final Reflection – Reckon

Flexible Use Options

This Case File may be used:

• As a full leadership unit
• During film analysis weeks
• As a structured sub-day plan (Modules 2–4)
• In block or traditional schedules

You control the pacing.
The framework provides the structure.

Ideal For

• High school English
• Social Studies
• Advisory
• Leadership electives
• Character education programs
• Includes a ready-to-print PDF and an editable Word (.docx) version so you can adapt materials to fit your classroom.

The post Lead or Follow? Coach Carter A Debate-Driven Leadership & Character Development Case Study first appeared on Tracie Joy.