Teaching is more than just lessons and textbooks – it’s about inspiration, dedication, and the lasting impact on students. Poems about teaching capture the profession’s highs and lows, from small classroom victories to lifelong influence. Whether you need motivation on tough days or a poem to share with students, this collection has you covered! Explore thought-provoking poems that celebrate the art of teaching and the power of learning. Check them out now!
10 poems about teaching
The following selection highlights 10 remarkable poems that encapsulate the spirit of education. Each piece is accompanied by an introduction, a snippet of its verses, and practical teaching tips to enrich classroom discussions.
1. “What Teachers Make” by Taylor Mali
Download the What Teachers Make poem worksheet to inspire discussions on the power of teaching!
Taylor Mali’s “What Teachers Make” is a passionate defense of the teaching profession, addressing misconceptions and highlighting the profound impact educators have on their students. Through a blend of humor and sincerity, Mali underscores the transformative power of teaching.
“You want to know what I make? I make kids wonder,
I make them question.”
Teaching Tips:
- Encourage students to discuss the societal perceptions of teaching and how Mali challenges them.
- Analyze the rhetorical devices used to convey conviction and passion.
- Prompt students to write their own pieces defending a profession or cause they are passionate about.
2. “The Silliest Teacher in School” by Darren Sardelli
Use The Silliest Teacher in School poem worksheet to explore poetic humor and exaggeration in a fun classroom setting!
Darren Sardelli’s “The Silliest Teacher in School” is a humorous take on a fun-loving and quirky educator who turns the classroom into an unexpected adventure. This lighthearted poem reminds us that learning doesn’t always have to be serious—it can be joyful, energetic, and full of surprises. Teachers who embrace creativity can make a lasting impact on their students by making lessons engaging and memorable.
“Our teacher gave detention to the fountains in the hall.
She handed extra homework to the artwork on the wall.”
Teaching Tips:
- Make learning fun: Encourage students to write their own humorous classroom poems.
- Explore exaggeration: Discuss how hyperbole makes the poem entertaining and engaging.
- Creative writing exercise: Have students imagine and describe their own “silliest teacher.”
3. “You Begin” by Margaret Atwood
Download the You Begin poem worksheet for your students!
In “You Begin”, Margaret Atwood captures the innocence and curiosity of learning, illustrating how teachers introduce students to the vastness of the world. The poem beautifully portrays the foundational moments of education.
“You begin this way:
this is your hand,
this is your eye,”
Teaching Tips:
- Analyze how Atwood uses simple imagery to convey complex ideas about learning.
- Encourage students to write about their first learning experiences.
- Discuss the role of teachers in shaping perceptions and understanding.
Students can explore descriptive language further using these adjective worksheets to enhance their own writing.
4. “Why God Made Teachers” by Kevin William Huff
Download the Why God Made Teachers poem worksheet to explore the meaning of gratitude for teachers and reflect on the role of educators in shaping lives!
“Why God Made Teachers” by Kevin William Huff is a heartfelt tribute to educators, emphasizing their role in guiding students through the journey of learning and personal growth. The poem beautifully captures the idea that teachers are more than instructors—they are mentors, supporters, and lifelong inspirations.
“When God created teachers,
He gave us special friends
To help us understand His world”
Teaching Tips:
- Discussion Prompt: Ask students how teachers have impacted their learning and personal growth.
- Creative Writing Activity: Have students write their own “Why God Made…” poem about someone who inspires them.
- Art & Reflection: Encourage students to illustrate a scene from the poem or write a letter to a teacher who has influenced them.
5. “The Hand” by Mary Ruefle
Download The Hand poem worksheet and bring it into your classroom!
Mary Ruefle’s “The Hand” delves into the intimate connection between teachers and students, emphasizing the profound influence educators have on their pupils’ lives. The poem highlights the subtle yet significant moments that define the teaching experience.
“The teacher asks a question.
You know the answer, you suspect
You are the only one in the classroom
who knows the answer.”
Teaching Tips:
- Reflect on the personal connections formed in the classroom.
- Discuss the impact of teacher recognition on student confidence.
- Encourage students to share moments when a teacher’s acknowledgment made a difference in their learning journey.
6. “Why Latin Should Still Be Taught in High School” by Christopher Bursk
Use the printable worksheet for teaching the Why Latin Should Still be Taught in High School poem!
Bursk’s poem humorously yet thoughtfully advocates for the continued teaching of Latin, drawing connections between ancient language and contemporary understanding. It serves as a commentary on the value of classical education.
“Because one day I grew so bored
with Lucretius, I fell in love
with the one object that seemed to be stationary,”
Teaching Tips:
- Debate the relevance of classical languages in modern curricula.
- Analyze the use of humor to convey a serious message about education.
- Encourage students to write persuasive pieces on subjects they believe should be added or removed from the curriculum.
7. “The History Teacher” by Billy Collins
Download The History Teacher poem worksheet to analyze the humor and deeper meaning behind the poem while reflecting on the responsibility of educators!
Billy Collins’ “The History Teacher” is a witty yet thought-provoking poem that explores the delicate balance between protecting students’ innocence and teaching them the truth. The poem humorously depicts a history teacher who softens historical events to shield his students, only for them to remain unaware of the real world’s complexities.
“Trying to protect his students’ innocence
he told them the Ice Age was really just
the Chilly Age, a period of a million years
when everyone had to wear sweaters.”
Teaching Tips:
- Discussion Prompt: Talk about the role of teachers in balancing truth and sensitivity when teaching history.
- Creative Writing: Ask students to rewrite a historical event in a humorous or exaggerated way.
- Ethics in Education: Debate whether it’s better to present harsh truths or to soften them for younger students.
8. “An Instructor’s Dream” by Bill Knott
Download this An Instructor’s Dream poem worksheet to explore the lasting impact of teachers!
Bill Knott’s “An Instructor’s Dream” reflects on the lasting influence of educators. The poem envisions students revisiting their school years later, finding their teacher still teaching, as if frozen in time. It highlights how lessons and memories of teachers stay with students long after they’ve left the classroom.
“Many decades after graduation
the students sneak back onto
the school-grounds at night
and within the pane-lit windows
catch me their teacher at the desk”
Teaching Tips:
- Discuss how the poem portrays the passage of time in education.
- Encourage students to reflect on a teacher who shaped their lives.
- Have students write a short poem about a lesson they will never forget.
9. “Teachers” by Kevin William Huff
Download this worksheet for the “Teachers” poem worksheet to inspire the great dedication of teachers!
Kevin William Huff’s “Teachers” is a tribute to the influence and dedication of educators. The poem highlights how teachers shape minds, inspire dreams, and leave a lasting impact on students’ lives. It captures the heart of teaching as both a responsibility and a gift.
“Teachers
Paint their minds
and guide their thoughts”
Teaching Tips:
- Discuss how teachers contribute to students’ personal and academic growth.
- Have students write about a teacher who inspired them.
- Encourage students to create an acrostic poem using the word “TEACHER.”
10. “My Teacher Wasn’t Half as Nice as Yours Seems to Be” by Roald Dahl
Download this My Teacher Wasn’t Half as Nice as Yours Seems to Be poem worksheet to explore humor in poetry!
Roald Dahl’s “My Teacher Wasn’t Half as Nice as Yours Seems to Be” is a humorous and exaggerated take on strict old-school teaching methods. The poem playfully contrasts past and present teachers, using vivid, over-the-top imagery to highlight how much kinder teachers are today. With its witty storytelling and rhythmic flow, it’s a fun way to engage students in poetry.
“My teacher wasn’t half as nice as yours seems to be.
His name was Mister Unsworth and he taught us history.”
Teaching Tips:
- Discuss how humor and exaggeration are used to make a point.
- Compare past and present teaching methods—what has changed?
- Encourage students to write a humorous poem about school life.
Final Thoughts
These poems about teaching capture the joys, struggles, and rewards of the classroom, offering educators motivation and reflection. Whether you use them for personal encouragement or to spark meaningful discussions with students, let these words remind you of the power of education and the lasting impact you make every day. Keep inspiring, keep teaching, and keep making a difference!
Inspired by these heartfelt poems? Discover more ways to celebrate the educators who make a difference every day with our teacher appreciation ideas.
