If we're lucky, we've all had at least one of those teachers in our past – somewhere from grade school to grad school – who made an impact on us; an educator who inspired, encouraged and perhaps even changed the course of our lives. And then there are the others -- those teachers who were just so quirky we'll never forget them.
While our school days may be behind us, many of our our children are at the age where they’ll soon be meeting unforgettable mentors who will inspire, encourage and perhaps change the course of their lives as well. In celebration of those who transform our minds and nourish our brains, here are eight of the most memorable teachers in movies, all of which we’ll grade with an A.
Coolest Teacher
Ms. Norbury in Mean Girls
Rated PG-13
Ms. Norbury (Tina Fey) is the grounded, down-to-earth, rational entity among a group of dramatic, manipulative and, sadly, abusive teens. When the school dives into a state of chaos, she comes in with a voice of reason.
Best Quote: “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.”
Most Rockin’ Teacher
Dewey Finn in School of Rock
Rated PG-13
Dewey Finn (Jack Black) isn’t actually a certified teacher, but rather fills the role when he takes over his roommate’s substitute-teacher gig at a local elementary school. He inspires his class of fourth graders to rock out and find their passion (getting his back in the process).
Best Quote: “Yes! But, you can't just say it, man. 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! And right now, I'm the man. That's right.”
Most Quotable Teacher
The Economics Teacher from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Rated PG-13
When you think of the film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, it’s hard, if not impossible, to utter the words “Bueller?...Bueller?” with the deadpan delivery of Ben Stein in his iconic, yet small, role as a teacher in the John Hughes classic. This moment in cinematic history is often used to illustrate teachers in the classroom or more often as a meme for when someone is waiting and waiting and waiting.
Best Quote: “Bueller?...Bueller?”
Most Profound Teacher
Mr. Keating from Dead Poets Society
Rated PG
Professor Keating (Robin Williams), an English teacher at a stuffy prep school, inspires his class to not just go against the status quo, to be true to themselves, to seize the day but he imparts a deep appreciation of the written words – particularly poetry – with the Dead Poets Society.
Best Quote: “No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world.”
Creepiest Teacher
Professor Severus Snape from the Harry Potter series
Rated PG
There are good teachers, there are mediocre teachers and then there are those who are just creepy. The slick-haired Professor Snape (Alan Rickman) of the Harry Potter films falls into the latter. While his loyalty and true alliances are murky for most of the series, he still comes off as cold and cunning, yet always complex.
Best Quote: “Discipline your mind!”
Wisest Teacher
Yoda in The Empire Strikes Back
Rated PG
Luke Skywalker had to journey to another planet and dive into a mysterious swamp for the chance to study under the great Jedi teacher, the one and only Yoda. Yoda is honest, patient, demanding and kind – all things that a great educator must possess.
Best Quote: “Judge me by my size, do you?”
Most Monstrous Teacher
Professor Knight in Monster University
Rated G
While other educators teach reading and arithmetic to children, Professor Knight teaches techniques on how to scare, terrify and totally frighten children. His fangs, multiple horns and tail make him a perfect mentor for monsters.
Best Quote: “Show me some slobber! Drool is a tool, kids. Use it!”
Most Composed Teacher
Glenn Holland of Mr. Holland's Opus
Rated PG
While trying to come up with his own musical masterpiece, conductor Glenn Holland (Richard Dreyfuss) takes a position at an Oregon high school. While he once may have felt that his moment of greatness never happened, the impact he had on his students is his legacy, which is far more meaningful than just a piece of music.
Best Quote: “Playing music is supposed to be fun. It's about heart, it's about feelings, moving people and something beautiful, and it's not about notes on a page. I can teach you notes on a page; I can't teach you that other stuff.”
For more, check out our gallery of the 15 Greatest Movie Teachers.
