Movie stars are often judged to be a less than intellectual crowd, but a new documentary stars one local who has brains to spare.

Rhena Jasey, formerly a teacher at Seth Boyden Elementary of the South Orange-Maplewood School District, is one of four teachers profiled in the new film "American Teacher." The documentary had its premiere this past weekend in New York and goes into theater release today. (For screening times and locations, visit here.)

Says Jasey:

This film portrays what it is really like to be a teacher and includes information shared by various experts, as well as research and data which shed light on some of the reasons our educational system is struggling right now. We had our World Premiere this past weekend as part of NBC's Education Nation Summit. After the screening of the film, I participated in a panel moderated by Al Roker.

She adds:

I think the film "American Teacher" is an important film for all people to see regardless of your connection to teaching or schools. Everyone needs to be educated on these issues so that as a society we can begin to make changes to improve the quality of teachers and education our children receive.

Jasey herself will be at the theatrical release of the film today at 7 p.m. at the AMC movie theater in Times Square — as well as the screenings on Saturday and Sunday night. The film will be shown in Times Square at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. every day from today through October 6.