Independent Lens

Season 17

Episode 4: East of Salinas

"East of Salinas" documents the story of a bright third grader and his teacher in California's Salinas Valley. Born in Mexico, José has attended seven schools in three years; and his family shares an apartment with another family. His parents are undocumented, which means his—and their—future in the U.S. is anything but secure. His teacher, Oscar Ramos, who was also born to migrant workers, faces his own set of challenges, including educating students who often come to school hungry.