Ms. Watson vs Mr. MacFarland

Was Ms. Watson similar to Mr. MacFarland?
In many ways I see numerous similarities between the two teachers. The first is a sense of liberalism. Both teachers had plans to put aside the typical expectations of your average students to create something greater, that will benefit them more so in retrospect. Ms. Watson however came into the school with the ideas that she would give her students a different perspective on their futures, while Mr. MacFarland didn't try to mold the minds of his students per say, he let his teachings mold their minds to form into something that would benefit them on their own terms.
Another similarity between the two was encouraging education beyond where they stood. Ms. Watson printed out a Yale application for Joan who was on the fence of pursuing her own career and marrying the man she loved, not even considering the option that you can do both...
Mike had no intentions of completing any higher education because he didn't feel he had the background or knowledge to apply for any type of college, but Mr. MacFarland reached out to his own old professors and worked out a spot for Mike to attend his Freshman year of college at the same place where his teacher learned.
Both of these teachers showed great examples of selflessness as well as simply wanting the best possible future for their students. And when it comes down to it, that is the most important key for determining a good teacher.