What is a Teacher?

The 2018-2019 Edenton-Chowan Schools Teachers of the Year

Recently, the Teachers of the Year were announced for each of the schools in the @Edenton_Chowan Schools system. These teachers were selected by their colleagues to represent their schools. They were not selected because they were the best teacher in the school, (though they would probably be in that conversation.) They were selected because their peers saw in them examples of the teachers who populate each school.

Congratulations to:

Mrs. Angie Walston, White Oak Elementary School Teacher of the Year

Mrs. Heather Terrell, D. F. Walker Elementary School Teacher of the Year

Mrs. Shaunte' Chappell, Chowan Middle School Teacher of the Year

Mrs. Victoria Brinson, John A. Holmes High School Teacher of the Year

Considering the example these phenomenal teachers provide leads into the question, what is a teacher? How do you capture in a definition all that a teacher does for a student, a class, a school, and a community? Perhaps you cannot. Perhaps only a list of synonyms for “teacher” begins to paint the picture.

DonorsChoose.org (@DonorsChoose) is an organization that connects teachers in high-need communities with donors who want to help. They recently sent out a tweet that is threatening to go viral with 257 likes, 62 retweets, and 40 comments so far.

“We’ve been tossing around a few new synonyms for teacher that the thesaurus is currently missing. So far we have…
1. Life changer
2. Education expert
3. Architect of the future
4. Joy bringer
Any other ideas?” (@DonorsChoose)

The response has been invigorating as each suggested synonym for teacher brings to mind examples in my personal and professional life who embody the description provided by the commenter.

Some are almost poetic:

Hope maker (@meowluvr); 

Truth bringer (@mrtubach); 

and Wizard of Wonder (@ljblank).

Some tug on your heartstrings:

Supporter of the forgotten (@kd5lri); 

Safety guard (@Iteach3rd1); 

Hair stylist (@CindyMMT5); 

and Last line of defense (@YodaPond).

Every single one is accurate. Still, though, this list may not capture all it is to be a teacher. Here then, with thanks to @DonorsChoose and all of the commenters, here are 100 synonyms for teacher:

1. Life changer (@DonorsChoose)
2. Education expert (@DonorsChoose)
3. Architect of the future (@DonorsChoose)
4. Joy bringer (@DonorsChoose)
5. Master of motivation (@DevorahLeah)
6. Encourager (@kd5lri)
7. Font of eternal hope (@kd5lri)
8. Supporter of the forgotten (@kd5lri)
9. Confidence builder (@hollyjohnson201)
10. Anchor (@Iteach3rd1)
11. Safety guard (@Iteach3rd1)
12. Coach (@Iteach3rd1)
13. Counselor (@Iteach3rd1)
14. Character builder (@Iteach3rd1)
15. Nurse (@CindyMMT5)
16. Counselor (@CindyMMT5)
17. Hair stylist (@CindyMMT5)
18. Believer! (@cyndilott)
19. Nurturers (@YodaPond)
20. Innovators (@YodaPond)
21. Last line of defense (@YodaPond)
22. Dream Makers (@MsReidF204)
23. Advocate (@SRyan3rdgrade)
24. Learning adventurer (@mrtubach)
25. Cognitive explorer (@mrtubach)
26. Tour guide (@mrtubach)
27. Catalyst (@Yulil_A_Garza)
28. Wizard of Wonder (@ljblank)
29. Encourager (@Rhonda28teach)
30. Referee (@kzevallos516)
31. Cheerleader (@kzevallos516)
32. Angel (@kzevallos516)
33. “Parent” Nurturer (@teach_laugh)
34. Entertainer (@OldSchoolArt63)
35. Champions for children (@DeniseRooney6)
36. Hope maker (@meowluvr)
37. Life coach (@Barbstachelski)
38. Truth bringer (@mrtubach)
39. Role model (@JanieceStaton)
40. Mentor (@JanieceStaton)
41. Champion/ally/advocate (@JanieceStaton)
42. Public health monitor (@JanieceStaton)
43. Gatekeeper to the possible (@JanieceStaton)
44. Environmental investigator (@JanieceStaton)
45. Culture creator (@JanieceStaton)
46. Treasure trove of hopes and dreams (@JanieceStaton)
47. Classroom choreographer (@JanieceStaton)
48. Stress soother (@JanieceStaton)
49. Life skills transmitter (@JanieceStaton)
50. Creativity consultant (@JanieceStaton)
51. Inspirer (@JanieceStaton)
52. Book pimp. Or book dealer? (@bethctech)
53. Motivator (@dr_rstevenson)
54. Encourager (@dr_rstevenson)
55. Cheerleader (@dr_rstevenson)
56. Supporter (@dr_rstevenson)
57. Motivator (@sahmoomoo80)
58. Dreamer (@sahmoomoo80)
59. Innovators (@sahmoomoo80)
60. Coach (@sahmoomoo80)
61. Destiny shaper (@laujohn4real)
62. Master of all J (@MrsHesterMES)
63. A master (@dawson_patti)
64. A maker (@dawson_patti)
65. A childhood caretaker (@dawson_patti)
66. Cultivator of Creativity (@ljblank)
67. Brain builder (@CindyStephens33)
68. Doorman to the imagination (@sugar_mama1954)
69. A sense of security and consistency for those who are unfortunate to have that (@T_AnnBlair)
70. Nurse (@T_AnnBlair)
71. Doctor (@T_AnnBlair)
72. Psychiatrist (@T_AnnBlair)
73. Mom (@T_AnnBlair)
74. Dad (@T_AnnBlair)
75. Judge (@T_AnnBlair)
76. Lawyer (@T_AnnBlair)
77. Advocate (@T_AnnBlair)
78. Referee (@T_AnnBlair)
79. Server (@T_AnnBlair)
80. Santa (@T_AnnBlair)
81. Foundation Builder (@MrsIbarra209)
82. Lifelong learner!!! (@A_1981_B)
83. Mom away from home (@3rdOakwoods)
84. Life changer! (@Emmie12)
85. Educational Supplies Bargain Hunter (@rosazapata16)
86. Teacher Supply Hoarder (@rosazapata16)
87. Eye opener (@JarredsmomKelly)
88. Lover of Children (@Dr_Rob_Jackson)
89. Lost Items Finder (@Dr_Rob_Jackson)
90. Guardian of Lives (@Dr_Rob_Jackson)
91. Greeter (@Dr_Rob_Jackson)
92. Concierge (@Dr_Rob_Jackson)
93. Enthusiastic Encourager (@Dr_Rob_Jackson)
94. Standards Bearer (@Dr_Rob_Jackson)
95. Goal Stretcher (@Dr_Rob_Jackson)
96. Nose Counter (@Dr_Rob_Jackson)
97. Presenter of Ideas (@Dr_Rob_Jackson)
98. Technology Guru (@Dr_Rob_Jackson)
99. Change Agent (@Dr_Rob_Jackson)

and

100. Shepherd of Dreams (@Dr_Rob_Jackson)

What would you add to this list?