What if your first day of school wasn’t just nerve-wracking, but something you’d spent your entire life preparing for? That’s the reality for Auggie Pullman, the main character in Wonder (2017), a film that tells the story of a young boy with facial differences entering a mainstream school for the first time.
In this episode, host Kevin Stoller, co-host Carla Cummins, and guest speaker Brian Proctor took a deep dive into the film - not just as a touching family drama, but as a case study in education. From peer relationships to teacher support to the role of school culture, Wonder gives us a lens through which we can evaluate how schools succeed - or fail - in creating inclusive, student-centered environments.
The panel explores the film’s central themes of belonging, identity, and the dynamics of family and friendship. They dive into character development, examining how each person - Auggie, his sister Via, classmates like Jack Will, and school leaders - represents a different experience with acceptance and adversity. The conversation also touches on kindness, leadership, bullying, and the growing influence of social media in school dynamics. Guest Brian Proctor, who transitioned from education leadership to a role in school architecture, shares his perspective on how physical space contributes to emotional safety and inclusion.
Takeaways:
Family dynamics play a crucial role in shaping children’s emotional and social growth.
The principal’s leadership style showcases how kindness and character education can take priority over rigid rule enforcement.
Quotes from the film, like “When given the choice between being right and being kind, choose kind,” leave a lasting emotional impact.
Social media is a double-edged sword—it can amplify support, but also bullying, shaping students’ daily realities.
About Brian Proctor:
With 25 years of experience in public education, Brian Proctor joined Ratio as an Associate Principal and Education Planner, bringing new perspectives and thought processes to projects as he serves as a bridge between K12 clients and design teams. Brian offers unique and relevant insights based on his first-hand experience within education organizations, inc
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