Was Mr. Escalante similar to Mr. MacFarland? How or how not?

Yes, both Mr. Escalante and Mr. MacFarland were similar in a number of ways. Starting with the situations and environment both teachers were in. Both teachers were placed in a room with students that did not care for education and authority. Mr. Escalante was placed in a school that lacked resources and funding. As a result, authority was not re-enforced in the institution. Students became very rebellious and lacked the motivation to progress further in their educational careers. Mr. MacFarland was in a very similar situation as this. He was placed in vocational education, where students lacked motivation and inspiration. However, these situations did not phase or discourage both teachers. Both instructors managed to motivate and gain the respect of their students. Mr. Escalante started having quizzes at the beginning of class and pushing his students to their limits. Mr. MacFarland began assigning many books and held reading quizzes ever so often. Both instructors pushed their students with academics in a structured manner. As a result, students began responding to their teachers and started respecting them. Both instructors started not only engaging in their student's academic life but personal life as well. Mr. Escalante helped convince parents that their children have the potential to further their academic careers. Mr. MacFarland helped Rose during his father's death and helped him get into college. Both instructors were placed in different environments with difficult circumstances, however both managed to adapt and tend to their student's needs.