Teachers play a profound role in our lives, so it’s no surprise that educators are a recurring presence in TV shows and movies, too. While some film and TV depictions rightfully celebrate teachers as heroes, selflessly shaping the minds of the next generation, others take a more farcical route, making stars of eccentric and unorthodox instructors who leave lasting impressions.
The distinctive dry humor of Boy Meets World’s Mr. Feeny still resonates 30 years after he first appeared on the small screen, while Sue Sylvester, played by Jane Lynch on Glee, fired off endless sinister quips over the years that still have us in stitches.
The fictional teachers celebrated in this selection of quotes may not have always maintained a high level of professionalism, but they certainly kept us entertained — and they also reminded us that teachers are human beings who contain multitudes, just like everyone else.
I cannot for the life of me understand why small children take so long to grow up. I think they do it deliberately, just to annoy me.Miss Trunchbull (Pam Ferris) in “Matilda”
You have to remember something: We’re dealing with children. They need to be terrified. It’s like mother’s milk to them. Without it, their bones won’t grow properly.Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch) in “Glee”
I realize that all you seventh graders are delicate, adolescent flowers just beginning your high school blooming, and so I say this with the utmost sensitivity: Take this test … or die.Mr. Feeny (William Daniels) in “Boy Meets World”
I don’t know what your generation’s fascination is with documenting your every thought, but I can assure you, they’re not all diamonds. “Roman is having an OK day and bought a Coke Zero at the gas station. Raise the roof.”Mr. Griffith (Thomas Haden Church) in “Easy A”
No, children, no! Your education is important! Roman numerals, et cetera … Whatever, I tried.Edna Krabappel (Marcia Wallace) in “The Simpsons”
Those that can't do, teach, and those that can't teach, teach gym.Dewey Finn (Jack Black) in “School of Rock”
In just a few moments, we'll be landing in Arnold's stomach. Thank you for flying Digestion Airways.Ms. Frizzle (Lily Tomlin) in “The Magic School Bus”
Language was invented for one reason, boys — to woo women — and, in that endeavor, laziness will not do. It also won’t do in your essays.Mr. Keating (Robin Williams) in “Dead Poets Society”
The conference is gonna be really fun. We just have to work from, like, 9:00 to 7:00. And then after that it's a par-tay … until 10:00, when quiet hours are strictly enforced.Jessica Day (Zooey Deschanel) in “New Girl”
The sight of Tracy at that moment affected me in a way I can't fully explain. Part of it was that she was spying, but mostly it was her face. Who knew how high she would climb in life? How many people would suffer because of her? I had to stop her, now.Jim McAllister (Matthew Broderick) in “Election”
Fire can’t go through doors, stupid! It’s not a ghost!Ben Chang (Ken Jeong) in “Community”
More than 80% of the ocean has never been explored by humans. Aliens might already be here drinking mai tais and using the Indian Ocean as a lazy river.Ava Coleman (Janelle James) in “Abbott Elementary”
Featured image credit: Moviestore Collection Ltd/ Alamy Stock Photo
