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When you think of the best teachers in the world, who comes to your mind? Is it a parent, your school teacher, or maybe even your friend?
What is it about them that makes you so inspired and educated? Is it their compassion and patience, or is it their ability to explain complicated things in a simple way?
Just like your favourite teacher, the world has witnessed the contributions of some of the best teachers in history. These greatest teachers of the world didn’t just teach; they started revolutions, built philosophies, and left behind legacies. Every classroom still echoes them.
Let’s discuss some of these great teachers in history and how they transformed the course of human history.
So, who is the best teacher in the world? Is it someone who can simply impart bookish knowledge?
A good teacher does not just focus on conventional education. They offer you lessons that will get you through life.
However, they don’t just blindly offer advice. Instead, they encourage critical thinking. They mentor you to grow up to be responsible citizens and future leaders. They are always making sure that a classroom remains an inclusive learning experience that is accessible to all.
In other words, the best teacher ever is someone who believes education is a transformative force that can strengthen humanity.
Let’s read about the top 10 best teachers in the world who were the architects of change and evolution!
Are you familiar with the Socratic Method? It is when a teacher does not give away the answer easily. Instead, they present a series of questions that compel the students to think deeply and understand better.
Hence, this method encourages critical thinking. This is what Socrates introduced in education. His teaching style laid the foundation for modern education.
Only bookish knowledge cannot make you a good human being, and Confucius was well aware of this. That’s why he brought forth ethics and character education.
He emphasised teaching respect, empathy, and introspection. He firmly believed that these were the pillars of a good education. Hence, he was not just a philosopher; he was also a moral guide.
Aristotle was a dedicated student of Plato and was also appointed as the teacher of Alexander the Great. He was also a firm believer that education involved both intellect and virtue.
His teachings spanned various subjects such as literary theories, biology, and politics. His principles are greatly looked up to and followed in modern education systems.
Chanakya or Kautilya was Chandragupta Maurya’s mentor. He is considered one of the great teachers in history due to his authored text, Arthashastra.
Chandragupta Maurya owes his immense success to his mentor. Chanakya’s wisdom helped the young prince to build one of the largest empires in ancient India.
Most students were first enrolled in a Montessori school. This is where their education begins. However, have you ever wondered how these schools are named as such?
The name comes from Maria Montessori, and she introduced the Montessori method of education. In this method, the emphasis is more on learning than on teaching.
Thus, the curriculum is prepared in a way that benefits the students. Her methods encourage independence, curiosity, and hands-on exploration. These are still followed in modern-day classrooms all over the world.
The great poet, Rabindranath Tagore, was a firm believer that education cannot be restricted by the four walls of a classroom. Instead, he emphasised the importance of learning from nature.
This is why when he established the Vishwa Bharati University, the classes were held under an open sky in the shade of trees. His teachings continue to inspire and influence us today.
Moreover, his poems and stories are also notable pieces of literature.
Can you imagine teaching someone who is dead and blind? Anne Sullivan accomplished this impossible feat, which makes her the best teacher ever!
She was responsible for teaching Helen Keller. With the help of extreme dedication, patience, and compassion, Anne succeeded in helping her find her own place in the world.
Helen Keller then went on to inspire millions of people around the world!
Every year we celebrate Teacher’s Day on the 5th of September. We present beautiful performances for our teachers and thank them for their daily contributions. But why is this day so special?
September 5th is the birthday of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who is considered one of the best teachers in history. He emphasised that teachers are the backbone of a society.
Hence, any kind of change is only possible through education. He also conveyed the power of values, ethics, and deep thinking in education.
We deeply admire Malala Yousafzai for her contributions to today’s world. But did you know about the brave feats of her father, Ziauddin Yousafzai?
When Pakistan banned women’s education, it was Ziauddin who fought for the right to education for every child. As an act of rebellion, he opened a school for girls. He was met with several death threats; however, that did not deter him.
Thus, Malala learnt to be who she is from her father. It was he who proved that oppression can be fought with education, and his daughter is the prime example today.
In 1848, girl child education in India was taboo. But, Savitribai Phule changed that when she opened a school in Pune along with her husband.
Obviously, the society was against her, and she faced heavy criticism. She was physically attacked as well on many occasions. However, she was determined to transform the system for women’s education in India.
She also fought against caste discrimination, supported widows, and spoke out against child marriage. Thus, Savitribai wasn’t just a teacher; she was an entire revolution by herself.
Hence, without these great teachers in history, the education system of India would have remained outdated, regressive, and oppressive. However, their contributions have opened up several new paths of learning and progress.
We have just discussed 10, but there are many more who are considered the best teachers in history. These are the people who have transformed generations!
Thus, we can conclude that the best teachers in the world are not someone who teach to educate but someone who teach to change.
At JBM Global School, we don’t just look back, but we also move forward with purpose! These great teachers in history remind us that education is not about rote learning; it’s about lighting the spark that never dies. If you want your child to receive education that shapes both mind and character, enrol now!
Ans: There is no right answer to this. Socrates, Confucius, and Maria Montessori often top historical lists for their revolutionary impact on education. However, there are many more!
Ans: Dr. Radhakrishnan believed that “teachers should be the best minds in the country,” and his legacy is a reminder to honour educators. This led us to celebrate his birthday as Teacher’s Day.
Ans: Anne Sullivan personalised her teaching methods by using tactile communication and immense patience. This was inevitable because she had to adapt to her student, Helen Keller’s special needs and unique abilities.
Ans: Yes, of course! Montessori, Socratic dialogue, value education from Tagore’s model, and inclusive learning like Anne Sullivan’s approach are still very much relevant in the philosophy of modern schooling.
Ans: Yes, definitely! Students can still learn from these great teachers in history. They have left behind their legacies in the form of their writings, philosophies, and the educational systems they inspired.
