Educational Leadership Quotes: Words To Inspire Teachers and Educators

For educators, teaching is more than just ensuring that students learn. To be a successful educator of the highest caliber, teachers need to inspire and empower their students to strive toward success. But, this is easier said than done—there’s no magic formula. Even educators who go above and beyond may not reach all students or help them succeed academically.

Some of the best advice, idioms, and counsel about education and teaching come from inspirational figures who helped change the world. These makers and doers understood that education was pivotal to their success, and that it can also help others change the world.

Making a positive change is both challenging and rewarding, a reality that graduates of the LSU Online Master of Education in Educational Leadership program fully understand and are prepared for, thanks to their advanced skills and diverse knowledge. For those determined to improve the education system and help transform students’ lives, these educational leadership quotes will inspire them on their path.

“The function of education, therefore, is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.” — Martin Luther King Jr.

When teachers step into a classroom, they’re doing more than just passing on knowledge and information to students. They’re helping those students learn to think critically about the world they live in. This educational leadership quote from Martin Luther King Jr. shows us that education is more than just learning a particular subject; it’s understanding the how and why of those lessons and their importance to our world today. The difference between learning about the mere events of World War II and the Holocaust and learning how to avoid them is essential. People who prioritize their education are capable of recognizing the symptoms of a sick society because they’re trained to think critically.

“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” — Socrates

Even instructors who have been in the field for decades do not know every detail about the subject they teach. This educational quote from Socrates shows us that even though having knowledge is important, it’s also crucial that we take note of the limits of our knowledge and the areas where we need further education. Only once you recognize that you have room to develop and grow can you be receptive to foreign, complex, or new information that can both help you be a better person and help you take care of those around you. This is essential for educators hoping to instill as much into their students as they can. Students gravitate to educators who are lifetime learners themselves.

“We need to help students and parents cherish and preserve the ethnic and cultural diversity that nourishes and strengthens this community—and this nation.” — Cesar Chavez

Educators and teachers work with students from diverse backgrounds. Some students may come from foreign countries; others may have disabilities or unique educational needs. But in some way, every student is unique. This educational leadership quote from Cesar Chavez emphasizes that the heritage and culture that make each student diverse should be acknowledged and celebrated. By inviting students and ideas that may be foreign or different to both the instructor and other students, not only do educators expose their students to more of the world, but those students who might otherwise feel disenfranchised may find themselves more comfortable among their peers and in the classroom.

“I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do.” — Leonardo da Vinci

Not every lesson plan needs to be turned into a physical activity, nor do teachers have the time or ability to do so. But finding ways to incorporate a “learning by doing” philosophy can enable students to reach their full potential and understand and appreciate concepts that much more. This leadership quote from Leonardo da Vinci highlights the importance of doing and applying in the field of education. The difference between talking abstractly about a topic and providing students with a hands-on environment that encourages learning by doing is both intellectually essential and fundamental to student development.

“Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard of democracy, therefore, is education.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt

Teachers help impart knowledge to students, but these professionals also convey the importance of using knowledge to better oneself and the world. This educational quote from Franklin D. Roosevelt shows us that learning and being informed are fundamental to helping safeguard rights and liberties, both within and beyond the classroom.

For example, in a mayoral election in a small city, one candidate may advocate for lower taxes while another may push for more jobs. While both messages appeal to voters, only those who take their education seriously know how to research, think critically, and consider multiple competing variables to determine which candidate is best. As such, educators who emphasize taking the principles in their classrooms into the real world make a positive impact wherever their students go.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” — Nelson Mandela

New lessons or viewpoints students gain can shape how they look at the world. Each new piece of information they come into contact with directly influences their ability to do good and help others. This inspirational education quote from Nelson Mandela shows us that education is the most effective tool for making a positive difference in the lives of individuals and communities. Educators could, for example, encourage students to participate in an international summer program where they teach English to low-income communities, both providing the students with a broader perspective of the human experience and helping other students in need. Moreover, those children are now able to read, and when they grow up, they can continue their education, which can help lift them out of poverty.

Become an Education Leader

The inspiring figures who offered the iconic quotes in this article changed both education and our world for the better. For those inspired to follow in their legacy, the LSU Online Master of Education in Educational Leadership program provides students with advanced educational and leadership skills in a flexible format. Graduates from the program leave fully prepared to make an impact on students, schools, and communities. Learn more about the program today.