Top 36 Slang For Teaching – Meaning & Usage

Teaching can be a challenging yet rewarding profession, and navigating the world of education comes with its own set of unique terms and expressions. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or just starting out, our team has gathered a collection of the most relevant and up-to-date slang for teaching to help you stay in the know and connect with your students on a whole new level. Get ready to level up your teaching game with this handy guide!

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1. Educate

To provide knowledge or information to someone through teaching or instruction. It often refers to the formal process of imparting knowledge in a structured setting such as a school or classroom.

For example, a teacher might say, “My goal is to educate my students about the importance of environmental conservation.”
A parent might encourage their child by saying, “Stay in school and educate yourself so you can have a bright future.”
In a discussion about the education system, someone might argue, “We need to prioritize funding to ensure all children have access to quality education.”

2. School

A place where students go to receive formal education. It can refer to any level of education, from elementary school to university.

For instance, a student might say, “I’m excited to start high school next year.”
In a conversation about education, someone might mention, “The school I attended had a great music program.”
A parent might ask their child, “Did you have a good day at school today?”

3. Brainwash

To manipulate someone’s thoughts or beliefs through intense and repetitive persuasion, often with the intention of controlling their actions or behavior. It is commonly used in a negative context to describe the process of indoctrination or manipulation.

For example, a person might say, “The cult leader brainwashed his followers into believing he was a divine being.”
In a discussion about propaganda, someone might argue, “The government is using media to brainwash the population.”
A critic of a particular ideology might accuse its followers of being brainwashed.

4. Drill

To engage in repetitive practice or instruction in order to learn or improve a particular skill or task. It often refers to the process of repeatedly performing an action or exercise to reinforce knowledge or muscle memory.

For instance, a coach might say, “We need to drill this play until it becomes second nature.”
In a military context, a sergeant might command, “Drop and give me 20! We’re going to drill these exercises.”
A music teacher might instruct their student, “Practice this scale every day to drill your finger coordination.”

5. Tutor

To provide individualized instruction or assistance to a student outside of a formal classroom setting. A tutor is typically someone who has expertise in a particular subject and helps the student with their academic needs.

For example, a parent might hire a math tutor to help their child improve their grades.
In a conversation about academic support, someone might recommend, “If you’re struggling with a subject, consider getting a tutor.”
A college student might offer to tutor their classmates in a difficult course.

6. Lecture

A lecture is a formal presentation or speech given by a teacher or professor to a group of students. It is a method of teaching in which the instructor imparts knowledge or information to the audience.

For example, “The professor delivered a captivating lecture on quantum physics.”
In a college setting, a student might say, “I have three lectures and a lab today.”
A teacher might announce, “There will be a guest lecturer in class tomorrow.”

7. Coach

A coach is someone who provides guidance, support, and instruction to help individuals improve their skills or achieve their goals. In the context of teaching, a coach may work with students to enhance their performance or develop specific abilities.

For instance, a sports coach might say, “Focus on your footwork during practice.”
In an academic setting, a teacher might act as a coach and say, “I will guide you through the process of writing your research paper.”
A mentor might advise, “Find a coach who can help you excel in your chosen field.”

8. Mentor

A mentor is an experienced and trusted advisor who provides guidance, support, and encouragement to someone with less experience or knowledge. In teaching, a mentor may offer advice and share their expertise to help a less experienced teacher grow and develop.

For example, a seasoned teacher might say, “I will be your mentor and help you navigate your first year of teaching.”
In a professional development workshop, a presenter might discuss the importance of finding a mentor in the field of education.
A teacher seeking guidance might ask, “Would you be willing to be my mentor and provide feedback on my lesson plans?”

9. Instruct

To instruct means to give directions, commands, or guidance in order to educate or inform someone. In the context of teaching, instructing involves providing clear and concise instructions to help students learn and understand a particular concept or skill.

For instance, a teacher might say, “I will instruct you on how to solve this math problem step by step.”
In an art class, an instructor might instruct students to “mix blue and yellow to create green.”
A parent might instruct their child, “Remember to raise your hand if you have a question during class.”

10. Enlighten

To enlighten means to provide knowledge, insight, or understanding to someone. In the context of teaching, enlightening involves sharing information or ideas in a way that helps students gain a deeper understanding or perspective.

For example, a history teacher might say, “I want to enlighten you about the events that led to World War II.”
In a philosophy class, a professor might enlighten students with different perspectives on the meaning of life.
A guest speaker might share, “My goal today is to enlighten you about the impact of climate change on our planet.”

11. Edify

To edify someone means to enlighten or educate them, usually in a moral or intellectual sense. It can refer to teaching someone in a way that improves their character or knowledge.

For example, a teacher might say, “It’s my goal to edify my students and help them become better individuals.”
A parent might encourage their child by saying, “Reading books will edify you and expand your mind.”
In a discussion about the purpose of education, someone might argue, “Education should not only inform but also edify students.”

12. Schooling

Schooling refers to the process of receiving formal education or training, typically in an institution such as a school. It can also refer to the specific skills and knowledge gained through this process.

For instance, a teacher might say, “I have 10 years of experience in the field and extensive schooling in my subject area.”
A student might complain, “I’m tired of all this schooling. When can I start applying what I’ve learned?”
In a conversation about different educational approaches, someone might argue, “Schooling provides a structured environment for learning and socialization.”

13. Pedagogy

Pedagogy refers to the method or practice of teaching, including the strategies, techniques, and principles used to facilitate learning. It encompasses the theories and approaches that guide the educational process.

For example, a teacher might say, “I incorporate various pedagogical techniques to engage my students.”
A researcher might study different pedagogies and their impact on student outcomes.
In a discussion about effective teaching, someone might argue, “A strong pedagogy is essential for promoting deep understanding and critical thinking.”

14. Instruction

Instruction refers to the guidance or direction given in teaching, typically in a formal setting such as a classroom. It involves providing information, explanations, and demonstrations to facilitate learning.

For instance, a teacher might give clear instructions on how to complete a task or assignment.
A student might seek additional instruction from the teacher to better understand a concept.
In a conversation about the role of teachers, someone might say, “Effective instruction is key to helping students grasp new concepts and develop skills.”

15. Tutoring

Tutoring involves providing one-on-one teaching or assistance to a student, typically outside of the regular classroom setting. It is often used to provide additional support or help with specific subjects or skills.

For example, a student might hire a tutor to help them prepare for a test or improve their grades.
A tutor might say, “I provide personalized tutoring sessions tailored to each student’s needs.”
In a discussion about educational support services, someone might argue, “Tutoring can greatly benefit students who need individualized attention and guidance.”

16. Lesson

A unit of instruction or a period of learning in a specific subject or topic. A lesson is typically taught by a teacher or instructor to a group of students.

For example, a teacher might say, “Today’s lesson is about fractions.”
A student might ask, “Can you explain the lesson again? I didn’t understand.”
In a discussion about education, someone might mention, “Effective lessons should be engaging and interactive.”

17. Teachable moment

A situation or event that presents an opportunity for a teacher to impart knowledge or a valuable life lesson to their students. It often occurs spontaneously and allows for immediate teaching.

For instance, if a student makes a mistake, a teacher might use it as a teachable moment to explain the correct approach.
A teacher might point out a current event or news story and say, “This is a teachable moment to discuss media literacy.”
In a parenting context, someone might say, “Every tantrum can be a teachable moment for emotional regulation.”

18. Teach to the test

The practice of teaching students specifically to pass a standardized test or assessment. It often involves drilling students on test-related content and strategies, sometimes at the expense of broader learning.

For example, a teacher might say, “We need to teach to the test to ensure our students achieve high scores.”
A student might complain, “I feel like we’re only learning to pass the test, not to understand the material.”
In a discussion about educational policies, someone might argue, “Teaching to the test narrows the curriculum and limits critical thinking skills.”

19. Teach the ropes

To teach someone the basic skills or knowledge required for a particular task or job. It involves guiding and instructing someone, often in a hands-on manner, until they become familiar with the process.

For instance, a mentor might say, “I’ll teach you the ropes of this job so you can become proficient.”
A seasoned employee might mention, “I had a great mentor who taught me the ropes when I first started.”
In a discussion about training methods, someone might suggest, “Hands-on learning is the best way to teach the ropes.”

20. Teach by example

To teach others through one’s own behavior and actions, rather than just words. It involves setting a positive example and demonstrating the desired behavior or skill.

For example, a teacher might say, “I believe in teaching by example, so I always follow the rules and show respect to my students.”
A parent might say, “I want to teach my children good manners by always saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’.”
In a discussion about leadership, someone might mention, “A good leader teaches by example and inspires others to follow their lead.”

21. Teach by doing

This phrase refers to a teaching method that emphasizes learning through practical experience and active participation. Instead of relying solely on lectures or textbook readings, students engage in activities or experiments to understand concepts.

For example, a science teacher might say, “We’ll learn about chemical reactions by conducting experiments in the lab. We believe in teaching by doing.”
A math teacher might explain, “Instead of just solving equations on paper, we’ll use real-world problems to teach by doing.”
A language teacher might say, “We’ll practice speaking and listening skills through role-plays and real-life conversations. We believe in teaching by doing.”

22. Teach the fundamentals

This phrase refers to the act of teaching or emphasizing the foundational concepts or essential skills of a subject. It involves ensuring that students have a solid understanding of the core principles before moving on to more advanced topics.

For instance, a music teacher might say, “Before we dive into complex compositions, let’s first focus on teaching the fundamentals of rhythm and melody.”
A basketball coach might emphasize, “To excel in the game, we need to teach the fundamentals of dribbling, shooting, and defense.”
A math tutor might explain, “Before tackling complex equations, let’s make sure you understand the fundamentals of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.”

23. Educator

This term is used to refer to a person who is involved in the profession of teaching or education. It encompasses a wide range of individuals, including classroom teachers, professors, tutors, and instructors.

For example, a parent might say, “My child’s educator is very dedicated and passionate about teaching.”
A student might ask, “Who is your favorite educator? I need recommendations for my next semester.”
A school administrator might discuss, “We are hiring new educators who can bring innovative teaching methods to our institution.”

24. Prof

This is a shortened form of the word “professor” and is commonly used as a slang term to refer to a university or college professor. It is often used in casual conversations or among students.

For instance, a student might say, “I have a meeting with my prof to discuss my research paper.”
During a group study session, someone might ask, “Has anyone seen the prof’s lecture slides for this week?”
A student might complain, “My prof gave us a really tough assignment. I’m not sure how to approach it.”

25. Teach

This word simply means to impart knowledge, skills, or information to someone through instruction or guidance. It is a general term used to describe the act of teaching in any context.

For example, a parent might say, “I try to teach my children important life lessons through storytelling.”
A coach might instruct, “I will teach you the proper technique for throwing a baseball.”
A teacher might explain, “I aim to teach my students not only the subject matter but also critical thinking and problem-solving skills.”

26. Train

To teach or instruct someone in a particular skill or knowledge area. “Train” can also refer to the process of acquiring knowledge or skills through instruction and practice.

For example, a teacher might say, “I need to train my students on how to use the new software.”
A parent might ask, “Can you train me on how to help my child with their homework?”
In a professional setting, a manager might say, “We offer training programs to help employees develop new skills.”

27. Guide

To provide direction or advice to someone in order to help them navigate a particular situation or achieve a specific goal. A “guide” can also refer to a person who leads or directs others.

For instance, a teacher might guide their students through a complex problem-solving task.
A mentor might say, “I’m here to guide you on your career path.”
A tour guide might provide information and lead a group through a historical site.

28. Inform

To provide knowledge or information to someone. “Inform” can also mean to give someone the necessary facts or details about a particular topic or situation.

For example, a teacher might inform their students about an upcoming test or assignment.
A news anchor might say, “I’m here to inform you about the latest updates on the situation.”
A parent might inform their child about the importance of wearing a helmet while riding a bike.

29. Schoolmaster

An old-fashioned term for a male teacher, especially one who teaches in a traditional school setting. “Schoolmaster” is often used to evoke a sense of authority and discipline.

For instance, in historical fiction novels, you might come across a character referred to as a “strict schoolmaster.”
In a conversation about education, someone might say, “The role of the schoolmaster has evolved significantly over the years.”
A person reminiscing about their school days might say, “I remember my schoolmaster used to give us a lot of homework.”

30. Schoolmarm

An old-fashioned term for a female teacher, especially one who teaches in a traditional school setting. “Schoolmarm” is often used to evoke a sense of strictness and proper behavior.

For example, in period dramas, you might see a character referred to as a “stern schoolmarm.”
A person discussing the history of education might say, “In the past, schoolmarms played a crucial role in teaching children.”
Someone might use the term jokingly, saying, “I feel like a schoolmarm when I have to remind my students to follow the rules.”

31. Profess

To “profess” something means to openly claim or declare it. In the context of teaching, it can refer to a teacher declaring their expertise or knowledge on a subject.

For example, a teacher might say, “I profess to be an expert in mathematics.”
In a discussion about qualifications, someone might ask, “What does it take to profess in a certain field?”
A student might jokingly say, “I don’t believe you until you profess your knowledge on the topic.”

32. Cram

To “cram” means to study intensively over a short period of time, often right before an exam or test.

For instance, a student might say, “I need to cram for the history test tomorrow.”
In a conversation about study habits, someone might admit, “I always end up cramming the night before.”
A teacher might advise their students, “Don’t leave everything to the last minute, try to avoid cramming.”

33. Educative

The term “educative” refers to something that provides education or instruction, and is often used to describe materials or activities that are informative.

For example, a teacher might say, “This documentary is highly educative.”
In a discussion about educational resources, someone might recommend, “I found this book to be very educative.”
A student might comment, “I prefer educative videos over traditional lectures.”

34. Schoolwork

“Schoolwork” refers to the work that is done at school, including homework, assignments, and projects.

For instance, a student might say, “I have a lot of schoolwork to do tonight.”
In a conversation about time management, someone might ask, “How do you balance schoolwork with extracurricular activities?”
A teacher might remind their students, “Make sure to complete your schoolwork before the deadline.”

35. Pedagogue

A “pedagogue” refers to a teacher, especially one who is strict or pedantic in their teaching style.

For example, a student might say, “I can’t stand our pedagogue English teacher.”
In a discussion about teaching methods, someone might argue, “We need more engaging teachers and fewer pedagogues.”
A teacher might reflect on their own teaching style and say, “I try to be a guide rather than a pedagogue in the classroom.”

36. Edification

Edification is the process of gaining knowledge or moral improvement through education or instruction. It refers to the act of being enlightened or uplifted intellectually.

For example, a teacher might say, “Our goal is to provide edification to our students, helping them grow both academically and personally.”
A student might describe a particularly inspiring class as, “That lecture was pure edification.”
In a discussion about the importance of education, someone might argue, “Edification is essential for the development of society as a whole.”