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Entertainment • Film

Bad Teacher (2011)

Bad Teacher is a 2011 American comedy film directed by Jake Kasdan and written by Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Bad Teacher is a 2011 American comedy film directed by Jake Kasdan and written by Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky. It stars Cameron Diaz as a cynical middle school teacher who returns to work after her wealthy fiancé leaves her. The film was released in the United States on June 24, 2011, and received mixed reviews.

Plot

Bad Teacher follows Elizabeth Halsey, a foul-mouthed and unmotivated middle school teacher who is forced to keep working after her engagement ends. She tries to improve her prospects by targeting a wealthy substitute teacher.

Production

The film was directed by Jake Kasdan from a screenplay by Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky. It was produced and distributed by Columbia Pictures.

Cast

Cameron Diaz plays Elizabeth Halsey, with Justin Timberlake as the substitute teacher, Lucy Punch as a rival colleague, and Jason Segel as a gym teacher.

Release and reception

Bad Teacher premiered in U.S. theatres on June 24, 2011. It received mixed reviews from critics and was commercially successful.

Key facts

  • Bad Teacher is a 2011 American comedy film directed by Jake Kasdan.
  • The film stars Cameron Diaz as a cynical middle school teacher.
  • The plot centers on her attempt to pursue a wealthy substitute teacher after her fiancé ends their engagement.
  • The film received mixed critical reviews and grossed about $216 million worldwide.
  • It was released by Columbia Pictures in the United States on June 24, 2011.
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Canadian context

Bad Teacher was released in Canada in 2011 and is a recognizable Hollywood comedy for Canadian audiences.

Frequently asked questions

What is Bad Teacher about?
It is about a cynical middle school teacher who returns to work after her wealthy fiancé leaves her and then pursues a substitute teacher.
Who directed Bad Teacher?
Jake Kasdan directed the film.
Who wrote Bad Teacher?
The screenplay was written by Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky.
When was Bad Teacher released?
It was released in the United States on June 24, 2011.
Who stars in Bad Teacher?
The film stars Cameron Diaz, Justin Timberlake, Lucy Punch, Jason Segel, and John Michael Higgins.
Was Bad Teacher a success?
Yes. It grossed about $216 million worldwide, despite receiving mixed reviews.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bad_Teacher
    Supports: Basic film details including title, year, director, writers, cast, release date, plot premise, and box office.
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/bad_teacher
    Supports: Director, writers, release date, runtime, genre, rating, and box office information.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1284575/
    Supports: Cast, director, writers, and plot synopsis.
  4. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/bad-teacher
    Supports: Release date, cast, director, studio, MPAA rating, and runtime.
  5. Google Play Movies — https://play.google.com/store/movies/details/Bad_Teacher_2011?id=MBe7gLmpHpo&hl=en
    Supports: Plot description, original title, and Columbia Pictures copyright information.