12 of History’s Most Famous Teachers

It’s not uncommon to have a favourite teacher; one that inspired, encouraged, or changed the course of a life. But a famous one? Because that’s what we’re rounding up today, a list of twelve of history’s best known educators.

From tech giants teaching computer skills to lecturers turned US presidents, the teachers on this list left an indelible mark both on their pupils and the world. Ready to learn more? Eyes front, please. There will be a test.

He’s been called one of the greatest philosophers of all time, the first genuine scientist in history, and the father of logic. But Aristotle was also known as “sir,” or at least the Ancient Greek version of it, by none other than Alexander the Great. That’s right, Aristotle taught one of history’s most famous conquerors. He also established his own school, the Lyceum, covering everything from ethics and politics to biology. And let’s not forget that Aristotle’s own teacher was the equally iconic Plato, who himself was taught by Socrates.

Heard of Montessori schools? You can thank Maria Montessori for that. She didn’t just create a new way of teaching; she started a global movement to transform early childhood education. According to the Montessori Method, encouraging kids to learn at their own pace fosters independence, creativity, and curiosity. Montessori believed education wasn’t about cramming information but about nurturing a love for learning. Her approach has become a worldwide phenomenon, used in classrooms from Italy to India and beyond.

Ever heard someone say: “Education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace.” That’s Confucius for you. A legendary teacher and philosopher from ancient China, Confucius established a school where he taught lessons about morality, government, and personal conduct that continue to influence millions today. What’s more, he accepted students from all backgrounds, believing anyone could become great through learning and self-improvement.

Pilates is the exercise regime of A-listers and has very much become a household name, but how many people know of its namesake? Joseph Pilates didn’t just create a workout; he created a philosophy of movement. Originally designed to help rehabilitate soldiers during World War I, his method of controlled movements, breathing, and strength training has become one of the world’s most popular exercise routines. But Pilates wasn’t just about physical strength; he focused on mind-body connection, precision, and discipline. You might say he was the ultimate “reformer.”

It feels wrong to say Bill Nye without immediately following up with “the Science Guy.” And, while his TV show is no longer recording, Nye is renowned for making learning about science fun. Through both his show and public speaking, Nye has broken down complicated scientific concepts in ways that kids and adults alike can understand. He continues to advocate for science education and environmental action. The next time you think about climate change or space exploration, remember: Bill Nye has been teaching us all along.

Ever seen a Kumon learning centre in your neighbourhood? It all started with Toru Kumon, a Japanese maths teacher who developed a self-learning method to help his son improve in maths. The Kumon Method focuses on practice, mastery, and building confidence through step-by-step learning. Today, millions of kids around the world use his maths and reading worksheets, all thanks to a teacher who believed in letting kids learn at their own pace.

Yes, Albert Einstein wasn’t just that wild-haired genius who changed physics forever; he was also a teacher. Along his journey towards becoming one of the most famous scientists in history, Einstein taught at universities, guiding students through the complexities of theoretical physics. His down-to-earth lectures and friendly demeanour made him as beloved in the classroom as he was in the lab.

Shakespeare’s plays are taught in schools all around the world, but did you know that William Shakespeare himself might have started as a teacher? Before becoming the Bard of Avon, Shakespeare is believed to have worked as a schoolteacher, possibly teaching grammar and literature.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu was known as a champion of human rights, winning the Nobel Prize for his anti-apartheid activism. But before he ever joined the Anglican ministry, the iconic South African started out teaching high school English and history.

If you’ve ever been told that learning by doing is the best way, you’ve got John Dewey to thank. Dewey was an American philosopher and educator who believed that education should be rooted in real-world experiences. He didn’t just talk about changing the way we learn; he actually did it. His progressive education movement emphasised critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, rather than rote memorisation. Schools across the world still use his ideas, proving that Dewey didn’t just teach students, he revolutionised education as we know it.

Becoming a teacher was always one of Steve Wozniak’s life goals. And he did it. But, unlike those on this list who taught before their better-known achievements, “the Woz” did so a decade after he left Apple. In fact, he spent about ten years teaching computer sciences to elementary school children. He remains an advocate for STEM education.

Before leading India as its Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh was a teacher of economics. He lectured at the University of Delhi and had a profound influence on both his students and the Indian economy, being one of the key figures behind India’s economic liberalisation in the 1990s.

And that’s not all. Believe it or not, there are quite a few world leaders who stood in front of the class before stepping onto the global stage. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was a high school teacher before entering politics. Barack Obama spent years teaching constitutional law at the University of Chicago. And Lyndon B. Johnson began his career as a teacher in Texas.

Princess Diana worked as a nursery assistant at the Young England Kindergarten in Pimlico before marrying into the British royal family. She was passionate about education and continued to advocate for children’s rights throughout her life.

Sting, the musician behind hits like “Englishman in New York” and “Every Breath You Take,” worked as an English teacher at St. Paul’s First School in Cramlington before embarking on his music career.

So that was our list of fantastically famous teachers. From ancient philosophers to modern innovators and even world leaders, a surprising array of famous faces started out in the classroom. But, more than that, many continued to do so throughout their careers.