I think actually about few point. Of course the subject. Even this movie was made in 2007, it fits right in present time. We still have the same problems in the schools, communities, families.
Second point is education. Very weak. Most of American students know very little world history, geography, math. Low level reading and writing .
The programs, specifically in history and geography, in schools are focusing more on what happen in US and very little about the world. Also it depends on the teacher.
For me specifically, was not really surprised that many people do not know about Holocaust at all or know very little and not just from movie, from real life. I admire by this The Teacher, who brought Holocaust survivors and the book "Anna Frank diary" the tragedy of people, that is still around us, to show connection between them.
It is great that the teacher taught student to respect each other, life value and love.