Up, Up, and Away!
What Supergirl Can Teach Today's Students About Equality, Leadership, and Heroism
The summer movie season is about to get a little more SUPER!
DC Studios' highly anticipated Supergirl film, starring Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El, is scheduled to arrive in theaters on June 26, 2026. Based on the acclaimed comic series Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, the film introduces a version of Supergirl that is brave, resilient, independent, and determined to forge her own path rather than simply living in Superman's shadow.
For educators and families, the arrival of another female superhero on the big screen presents a wonderful opportunity to discuss leadership, equality, perseverance, and respect with students.
At Teachertainment, we know movies aren't just entertainment. They're conversation starters, empathy builders, and sometimes even powerful classroom lessons disguised as popcorn-filled adventures.
More Than Sidekicks
For decades, superheroes were often portrayed as men while women were relegated to sidekicks, love interests, or supporting roles. Thankfully, that landscape has changed dramatically.
Students today have grown up watching incredible female heroes save the day, lead teams, and make difficult decisions. Here are some of the best.
WONDER WOMAN Aka Diana Prince
First Appearance: All Stars Comics #8, October 1941
Television: Lynda Carter (Wonder Woman and The New Adventures of Wonder Woman, 1975-1979)
Film: Gal Gadot (first introduced in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice in 2016)
The gold standard of female superheroes, Wonder Woman has inspired audiences since the 1940s and became a television icon through the groundbreaking series in the 1970s and a film star in the 21st Century. Her stories emphasize courage, compassion, truth, and justice.
SUPERGIRL aka Kara Zor-El
First Appearance: Action Comic #252, May 1959
Television: Melissa Benoist (Supergirl, 2016-2021)
Film: Milly Alcock (first introduced in 2025’s Superman)
Like her famous cousin Superman, Kara Zor-El possesses extraordinary powers. What makes her unique is her journey toward discovering her own identity and purpose. Though she has appeared on film and TV before, including her own CW series, the upcoming film explores a more independent and battle-tested version of Supergirl.
CAPTAIN MARVEL aka Carol Danvers
First Appearance: Marvel Super-Heroes #12, December 1967
Film: Brie Larson (first introduced in 2019’s Captain Marvel)
Carol Danvers demonstrates confidence, resilience, and self-belief. Her story reminds students that they do not need permission from others to recognize their own strengths.
BLACK WIDOW aka Natasha Romanoff
First Appearance: Tales of Suspense #52, 1964
Film: Scarlett Johannson (first introduced in Iron Man 2 in 2010)
Although she has no superpowers, Natasha Romanoff proves that intelligence, determination, and courage can be every bit as powerful as flight or super strength.
BLACK PANTHER aka Princess Shuri
First Appearance: Black Panther vol. 4 #2, May 2005
Film: Letitia Wright (first introduced in 2018’s Black Panther)
A brilliant inventor, scientist, and leader, Shuri demonstrates the importance of education, innovation, and curiosity.
MS. MARVEL aka Kamala Khan
First Appearance: Captain Marvel #14, August 2013
TV/Film: Iman Vellani (first introduced in the series Ms. Marvel in 2022)
Kamala Khan offers representation for a new generation of young viewers while showing that ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things.
SPIDER-GWEN aka Gwen Stacey
First Appearance: Edge of Spider-Verse #2, 2014
Film: voiced by Hailee Steinfeld (first introduced in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse in 2018)
Popular among younger audiences, Spider-Gwen challenges assumptions about who gets to wear the mask and become a hero.
What Boys Can Learn from Female Superheroes
One of the most important lessons here isn't just for girls.
It's for boys.
When boys regularly see women portrayed as leaders, problem-solvers, inventors, warriors, scientists, and heroes, it helps normalize equality in everyday life. Research consistently shows that representation influences how children view themselves and others. Stories help shape expectations.
Here are some powerful classroom conversations educators can have:
Leadership Has No Gender
Ask students:
What qualities make a good leader?
Which superheroes demonstrate those qualities?
Do those qualities depend on whether someone is male or female?
Students quickly discover that bravery, intelligence, kindness, and perseverance belong to everyone.
Strength Comes in Many Forms
Not every superhero wins through physical power.
Some use:
Intelligence
Creativity
Teamwork
Communication
Empathy
Invite students to identify different kinds of strengths they possess themselves.
Respect Is a Superpower
Discuss how heroes treat teammates.
Questions might include:
How does Wonder Woman work alongside Batman and Superman?
Why is teamwork important?
What happens when characters underestimate others?
Students can explore how respecting classmates leads to stronger communities.
Everyone Deserves a Chance to Shine
Many female superheroes began as characters who were overlooked or underestimated.
Ask students:
Have you ever felt underestimated?
How did you respond?
What can we do when others don't recognize our abilities?
These conversations help students develop confidence while learning to encourage others.
The Teachertainment Takeaway
The best superheroes don't teach us how to fly.
They teach us how to live.
As Supergirl prepares to soar into theaters, educators have a wonderful opportunity to celebrate powerful female role models while helping students understand an important truth:
Leadership is not determined by gender.
Kindness is not determined by gender.
Intelligence is not determined by gender.
Courage is not determined by gender.
Heroes come in every shape, size, background, and identity.
And when students learn that lesson early, they help create a future where everyone has the opportunity to be the hero of their own story.
Jake Perlman is the founder of Teachertainment, blending education, entertainment, and pop culture to turn learning into an unforgettable experience.
