8 totally cool fictional teachers you wish worked at your school

06 Oct 2016

teacher, teaching — As great as our real-life teachers can be, there are always those moments when you wish a teacher you see in movies is your teacher instead. Source: Shutterstock

We’ve all got our favourite teachers…You know, the ones whose subjects you look forward to most or the ones who inspire you beyond what’s being taught in class.

They’re funny, or kind, or motivational – maybe even all of the above!

But as great as our real-life teachers can be, there are always those moments when you’re watching your favourite movie and you think to yourself, “Dang, I wish she was/he was my teacher!”

Well, here’s our eight most favorite teachers from movies:

John Keating (Dead Poets Society)

“Carpe diem, seize the day boys, make your lives extraordinary.”

English teacher John Keating used the words of dead poets and unorthodox teaching methods to inspire his students to go after their dreams. The memorable “O captain! My captain!” scene never fails to bring a tear to our eyes.

Mr. Miyagi (Karate Kid)

“No such thing as bad student, only bad teacher. Teacher say, student do.”

Ah, the wise Mr. Miyagi. He wasn’t exactly a teacher, but he took Daniel, a young boy being tormented by bullies, under his wing and not only taught him karate, but also how to use it for good. If only all of us had an elderly repairman around to teach us self-defense when we were being bullied.

Yoda (Star Wars)

“Do, or do not. There is no try.”

In the swamps of the planet Dagobah, Yoda patiently trained Luke Skywalker in the ways of the Force. He may be pint-sized and green, but he sure does pack a punch – both in his words and his Jedi moves. But be sure not to follow his grammatical structure.

Albus Dumbledore (Harry Potter)

“It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”

From giving out candy to awarding surprise points to your House, it always paid to be in Dumbledore’s good books. He may have been eccentric, but he knew far more than he let on, and was also good for advice when Harry needed guidance.

Dewey Finn (School of Rock)

“You’ve gotta feel it in your blood and guts! If you wanna rock, you gotta break the rules. You gotta get mad at the Man!”

Dewey was a washout who started out pretending to be a substitute teacher, but ended up forming a rockin’ band with his fifth-grade students. If we had him for a music teacher, we would have probably learned how to play an actual instrument. Unfortunately, our repertoire only consists of playing “Hot Cross Buns” on a recorder.

Professor Charles Xavier (X-Men)

“When an individual acquires great power, the use or misuse of that power is everything. Will it be used for the greater good? Or will it be used for personal or for destructive ends? Now this is a question we must all ask ourselves.”

Professor Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters was a sanctuary for young mutants who wanted to live out normal lives. And as the leader of the X-Men, he represents the compassionate side of the mutant population.

John Kimble (Kindergarten Cop)

“Stop whining! You kids are soft. You lack discipline.”

Despite receiving no specialised training, Mr. Kimble eventually settled into his undercover role as a kindergarten teacher, showing his soft side. Admittedly, we’re a little bit scared of his drill sergeant-like demeanor, though.

Ms. Norbury (Mean Girls)

“I know having a boyfriend might seem like the only thing important to you right now, but you don’t have to dumb yourself down in order for a guy to like you.”

Ms. Norbury probably reminds us the most of everyday teachers – nice, smart … and a bit awkward. But even if we make mistakes, at the end of the day, you know she’s got your back, no matter what. And that’s what makes an amazing teacher.

Let us know who your favorites are!

Image via Touchstone Pictures