The school holidays are fast approaching. A time to reflect on how the last term went and prepare for the next one. Teacher appreciation quotes highlight the significance of teachers and express gratitude for their impactful role in students’ lives. Teacher quotes have the potential to inspire and motivate both educators and students. We’re ready for them and we’re sure you are too! Therefore we thought let’s keep it light and refreshing for you as you hit the holidays with a quick snappy blog without too much reading or detail required (much like the essays some students hand in). So without further ado here’s our top 10 motivating quotes for teachers.
Number 1: “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire”
from William Butler Yeats…though this is disputed with some suggestion that the quote may have been wrongly attributed to Yeats.
A good teacher has the ability to awaken joy in their students, highlighting the lasting positive impact and influence an educator can have.
Number 2: “The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.”
Mark Van Doren – then poet and writer. The best teachers, like Van Doren, guide students toward exploration and understanding rather than providing definitive answers, especially within the context of literature.
Number 3: “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”
William Arthur Ward once said, “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” This quote encapsulates the essence of what makes good teachers exceptional. Good teachers possess a unique blend of skills that not only enable them to impart knowledge but also foster students’ academic and personal growth. They are committed to continuous professional development, which enhances their ability to improve learning outcomes for students.
Great teachers, on the other hand, play a pivotal role in shaping students’ futures and fostering their growth. They inspire and motivate students, helping them realize their potential and equipping them with essential life skills. The long-lasting impact that great teachers have on their students illustrates their importance in both academic and personal development.
Number 4: “I never teach my pupils. I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn.”
This quote comes from the great theoretical physicist who developed one of the modern pillars of physics – Albert Einstein.
A teacher affects eternity, as their influence extends far beyond the classroom, creating ripple effects over time.
Number 5: “Remember that failure is an event, not a person”
comes from the American author and speaker Zig Ziglar.
Teaching kids can be a tough job filled with difficult days, highlighting the importance of motivating educators and nurturing student growth.
Number 6: “I like a teacher who gives you something to take home to think about besides homework.”
from American actress, comedian and writer Lily Tomlin.
Incorporating teacher quotes into your own creative expression can be a powerful way to convey gratitude and share wisdom within the teaching community.
Number 7: “I’m not sayin’ I’m gonna change the world, but I guarantee that I will spark the brain that will.”
The best teacher is someone who not only engages the intellect but also resonates with the heart, making a lasting emotional impact. This quote comes from Tupac Shakur – someone whom your students are more likely to know!
Number 8: “I have come to believe that a great teacher is a great artist and that there are as few as there are any other great artists. It might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit.”
From the renowned Nobel Prize winning author and writer John Steinbeck.
A ‘teacher quote’ can serve as a source of inspiration for educators, providing motivational content for social media engagement and blog posts related to teaching.
Number 9: “One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.”
This quote comes from Malala Yousafzai, the famous activist for female education from Pakistan who is the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.
The teacher’s job comes with various challenges and joys, and inspirational quotes can bring humor and positivity to their daily experiences.
And finally…Number 10: “Kids don’t remember what you try to teach them. They remember what you are.”
From the famous puppeteer and filmmaker Jim Henson.
There are hundreds of motivational quotes about teaching that you can learn from. We’d love to hear your favourite quotes and the ones which motivate you! Teacher quotes have the potential to inspire and motivate both teachers and students. For more in our series of blogs click here!


