How does Amal use a film allusion to describe her interaction with Mr. Pearse in Chapter 26?

In Chapter 26, Amal is on her way to prayer, but she stops by Mr. Pearse's office to get some help with an assignment. Mr. Pearse helps her and then says that he wants to talk with her. When he proceeds to tell her that she can do anything that she wants to do in her future, Amal tells the reader, "Oh my goodness he's going all To Sir With Love on me" (222). Amal uses a reference to the famous Sidney Poitier film in order to indicate the type of corny, yet heartfelt conversation Mr. Pearse is apparently about to launch into with her.