Ep 19. Mike, the Teacher

Mike Seaver takes on a new challenge in the 19th episode of season 5 of Growing Pains, as he steps into the role of substitute teacher at a local high school. Mike, played by actor Kirk Cameron, is no stranger to the academic world - he graduated from UC Berkeley and worked as a journalist before becoming a full-time pizzeria owner - but teaching is a new experience for him.

In the episode, Mike finds himself dealing with a challenging class of students, but he is determined to connect with them and make a difference in their lives. He tries various classroom management techniques, such as giving out detentions and assigning homework, but he soon realizes that his students are dealing with serious issues outside of school that are affecting their behavior in the classroom.

Mike also grapples with the responsibility of being a role model and inspiration to his students. This pressure is compounded by the fact that his younger sister, Carol (played by Tracey Gold), is a student at the same high school, and he fears her opinion of him as a teacher will affect his reputation among her peers.

Throughout the episode, Mike learns valuable lessons about the challenges and rewards of teaching, and the impact that educators can have on their students. He also gains a newfound respect for the profession and the dedication it takes to be a successful teacher.

The episode features guest appearances by several notable actors, including comedian Gilbert Gottfried as a guidance counselor and future Oscar winner Viola Davis as a student in Mike's class.

Growing Pains was a popular sitcom that aired on ABC from 1985-1992. The show followed the Seaver family, headed by psychiatrist father Jason (played by Alan Thicke) and his journalist wife Maggie (played by Joanna Kerns), as they navigated the ups and downs of family life. The show was known for tackling serious issues such as drug abuse, peer pressure, and teenage pregnancy, while also providing plenty of laughs and heartwarming moments.