The Best Literary Quotes for Teachers

Great Literary Education Quotes

Quotes can be a great source of inspiration, motivation and reflection. Whether you work in education or not, quotes have a way of encapsulating important lessons and perspectives in a memorable form. As teachers, literary quotes can be especially meaningful as we guide and support young minds each day.

While not all these literary quotes come from books focused on education, many universal truths apply to the classroom just as much as to other aspects of life. The selection of literary quotes below shine light on themes relevant to teaching, from the challenges of the profession to the joy of helping students learn. They celebrate both the head and heart aspects of the role.

I have compiled these quotes hoping they may speak to teachers and provide food for thought during planning meetings, on stressful days or simply for pleasure reading. Feel free to cut out your favorite quotes to post wherever you’ll see them. You could also share via social networks to engage in discussion with other educators in your circle.

Most of all, I hope browsing these quotations refuels your passion and commitment to the amazing work you do. However small, a meaningful quote has a way of lifting our spirits and perspective. Please enjoy these words of wisdom from some of literature’s great minds. I have no doubt you will find ways to apply their lessons within your classrooms and relationships with students.

The Literary Quotes

“Laugh as much as you choose, but you will not laugh me out of my opinion.” Jane Austen (Pride and Prejudice)

“Give the children love, more love and still more love – and the common sense will come by itself.” Astrid Lindgren

“I’m just going to write because I cannot help it.” – Charlotte Bronte

“Live the full life of the mind, exhilarated by new ideas, intoxicated by the romance of the unusual” – Ernest Hemingway

“Live the full life of the mind, exhilarated by new ideas, intoxicated by the romance of the unusual” – Ernest Hemingway

“I am tomorrow, or some future day, what I establish today.”  James Joyce

“Read a thousand books and your words will flow like a river.” Virginia Woolf.

“I don’t care if I pass your test, I don’t care if I follow your rules. If you can cheat, so can I. I won’t let you beat me unfairly – I’ll beat you unfairly first.” Orson Scott Card (Ender’s Game)

Whilst the books these have been taken from are not teaching books specifically, I trust you will relate to these quotations based on your experiences in education. Do let me know if any literary quote on this page especially resonates with you or sparks new ideas and insights into your practise. I aim to gather motivational material to support teachers throughout the highs and lows of their important careers.