30 Greatest Motivational Quotes For Educators Out There

Because real heroes don’t wear capes, they teach and inspire!

Inspirational quotes for teachers

Educators, mentors, instructors, teachers, however you name them, have been with us since we were no taller than a stack of textbooks and can be easily lost in a sea of desks. They do one of the toughest and most daunting, demanding jobs with the sacred responsibility of instilling lifelong knowledge in their students. They build the foundation in every child’s formative years, shaping the way children perceive the world – an extremely unforgiving, gruelling role that needs an uncompromising heart.

This article is a celebration of the impact teachers have brought to the world – so join us as we explore 30 motivational quotes for educators that capture the essence of teaching and honour all the passionate teachers who are making this world a better place.

Table of Content

• Best Inspirational Quotes for Teachers
• More Motivational Quotes for Educators
• Final Words
• Frequently Asked Questions

Best Inspirational Quotes for Teachers

1. “A good teacher is like a candle – it consumes itself to light the way for others.” – Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

Teachers’ efforts can never be truly rewarded – they work long hours, even have to do grading during the weekends, forgetting themselves to contribute to the learning journey of students.

2. “Teachers have three loves: love of learning, love of learners, and the love of bringing the first two loves together.” – Scott Hayden

With such great love for learning, teachers find ways to inspire and motivate students to be lifelong learners. They spark curiosity in students, creating an influence that lasts a lifetime.

3. “The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.” – Mark Van Dore

The curious minds of students are assisted by teachers. They bring out the best in each student, guiding them through difficult questions and challenges to help them see the world in a clearer, more insightful light.

4. Teaching is the one profession that creates all other professions. – Unknown

Education is foundational and instrumental to the development of each individual. Teachers not only help students in learning the things they want and need, but also spark a love for learning and choosing what they later want to pursue in their life.

5. What the teacher is, is more important than what he teaches. – Karl Meninger

The teacher’s personality and values hold greater importance than the specific subject they teach. A good teacher who is patient, has a genuine love for learning and always shows great empathy and enthusiasm will leave a lasting impression on students and contribute significantly to the holistic development of students.

6. Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. – Nelson Mandela

In the past, education was only for the wealthy and privileged people so power remained with the elite. As time passed and changed, people from all walks of life got the opportunity to learn and thanks to teachers, they have the ability to explore the world and use knowledge as a weapon to make the world a better place.

7. Children learn best when they like their teacher and they think their teacher likes them. – Gordon Neufeld

Teacher has a profound impact on the child’s ability to learn effectively. If there is mutual liking and respect between teachers and students, it will likely form a foundation that encourages students to actively participate in their education, hence having an optimal learning experience.

8. ‘A good teacher isn’t someone who gives the answers out to their kids but is understanding of needs and challenges and gives tools to help other people succeed.’  — Justin Trudeau

A good teacher goes beyond delivering textbook knowledge and answering questions. They equip their students with the tools to empower the learning environment for the students to overcome challenges and thrive. 

9. “Great teachers guide students to explore and think critically, fostering independent thought.” – Alexandra K. Trenfor

Instead of just providing guidance, great teachers cultivate a world where students are motivated to raise questions, analyse and develop their own perspectives. They foster a sense of curiosity and autonomy so that students can become independent thinkers to navigate the world on their feet.

10. “The best teachers teach from the heart, not from the book.” – Unknown

With genuine passion and sincerity, teachers often do not simply follow a curriculum and always try to bring enthusiasm and care into the classroom. 

More Motivational Quotes for Educators

11. ‘Teaching is the greatest act of optimism.’ – Colleen Wilcox
12. “The future of the world is in my classroom today.” – Ivan Welton Fitzwater
13. If kids come to us from strong, healthy, functioning families, it makes our job easier. If they do not come to us from strong, healthy, functioning families, it makes our job more important. – Barbara Coloroso
14. “To teach is to touch a life forever.” – Unknown
15. “Good teaching is 1/4 preparation and 3/4 theatre.” – Gail Godwin
16. “It is greater work to educate a child, in the true and larger sense of the world, than to rule a state.” — William Ellery Channing
17. “Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them what counts is best.” – Bob Talbert
18. “The greatest sign of success for a teacher … is to be able to say, ‘The children are now working as if I did not exist.’” – Maria Montessori
19. “The true teacher defends his pupils against his own personal influence.” – Amos Bronson
20. “Once she knows how to read, there’s only one thing you can teach her to believe in—and that is herself.” – Virginia Woolf
21. “Our children are only as brilliant as we allow them to be.” – Eric Micha’el Leventhal
22. “A human being is not attaining his full heights until he is educated.” – Horace Mann
23. “A teacher’s influence can never be erased.” – Unknown
24.  “Teachers awaken the potential within each student, helping them realise their capabilities.” – Unknown
25. Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher. – Japanese Proverb
26.  Teaching is more than imparting knowledge; it is inspiring change. Learning is more than absorbing facts; it is acquiring understanding. – William Arthur Ward
27. It takes a big heart to help shape little minds. – Unknown
28.  “If you have to put someone on a pedestal, put teachers. They are society’s heroes.” – Guy Kawasaki
29. “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” – Henry Adams
30. [Kids] don’t remember what you try to teach them. They remember what you are.” – Jim Henson

Final Words

As educators, it’s easy to get overwhelmed on tough days and lose sight of why we chose this career path in the first place.

Whether it’s reminding ourselves of our own ability to impact the future or the responsibility we share to grow a garden of bright talents, these inspirational quotes for teachers show that simply doing our best for students each day is what really matters. 

The best thing about being a teacher is, undoubtedly, the fact that you’re making a difference in somebody’s life. The fact that you’re going to be remembered (hopefully for good reasons) for important contributions you’ve made by way of teaching, inspiring a student, helping a student realize her/his potential and/or touching students’ lives.

Batul Merchant – Motivational quotes for educators 

Frequently Asked Questions