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Adjectives & Words to Describe Our Good Teachers

Writer's picture: olivershearmanolivershearman

This is a Blog Post on Appreciation, Understanding, and the Power of Kind Words


Teachers do so much more than relay a subject matter. They nurture, shape perspectives, and spark lifelong curiosities. Yet, in the flurry of day-to-day lesson plans, grading piles of papers, and dealing with the complicated algorithm of students’ needs, teachers can sometimes feel overlooked or underappreciated. Whether they’re science teachers, high school English instructors, or elementary-level educators, a simple note of gratitude can reignite their passion. We all know that the right words at the right time can positively impact someone in a significant way – for example, a note from a student expressing that you’re their favorite teacher can transform a rough Sunday night into a reason to keep pushing forward.


This blog post focuses on the power of descriptive words—the best words we can use to describe the educators in our lives—and how these expressions of appreciation can have a profound impact. We’ll talk about positive adjectives and even some negative adjectives with a negative connotation (to acknowledge conflicted feeling teachers sometimes experience), and how the proper selection of language can convey not just meaning but genuine heartfelt emotion. Along the way, I will share a personal story that still warms my heart whenever I remember it.



Every good teacher plays a crucial role in shaping students’ futures. We develop lesson plans, adjust our teaching style, and adapt to different situations at every grade level. From Ms. Jones in the school district across town to Mr. Smith or Mr. Swenson who might be teaching science in your own local high school, the need for positivity, understanding, and acknowledgment remains the same.


While teachers often try to focus on building a positive learning environment, we all know there are many demands—from administrative tasks to staff meetings, from extracurriculars to parent communications. There can be times when a teacher feels stuck, burdened with a feeling of anger teachers might experience when everything piles up at once. And yet, day after day, we show up because we care about students and want them to thrive.


The right adjective, a thoughtful compliment, or a comprehensive list of adjectives that capture a teacher’s essence can make all the difference. Think of the much broader set of related words in the English language—all those unique adjectives that can speak volumes about a teacher’s qualities. Words like “inspiring,” “patient,” “dedicated,” and “empathetic” go a long way in letting an educator know that their hard work is noticed and valued.


One reason these gestures matter is because teaching often involves an initial quick analysis of what each student needs, day in and day out, on top of addressing complex problems in the classroom. But as teachers, we don’t expect fanfare or daily gratitude. We do it because we believe there is no much better way to shape the future. Yet the feeling of anger teachers sometimes wrestle with or the conflicted feeling teachers may have on a final Friday afternoon, right before spring break, can be soothed by a few thoughtful words from a student.


Let me share a personal anecdote that truly showcases the power of kind words. Some years ago, at the end of a particularly challenging academic year, a group of my students surprised me on graduation day with hand-written letters. Each letter contained a list of words describing why they appreciated me as their teacher.


They began by calling me a great teacher—which is, of course, a great badge of honor. They wrote about my hard-working teacher approach, the fun quizzes I often gave, and how I took close attention to their individual struggles. These letters were filled with positive adjectives—like “understanding,” “insightful,” and “supportive”—that melted away all the exhaustion I’d been feeling. Some even noted my passion for the subject area and how my teaching style made them realize that they could conquer complex problems one step at a time. They referenced my ability to provide them with a positive learning environment even when it meant staying late to help them with a student’s paper.



I remember one letter mentioned that they saw me as their best teacher. Another student wrote I was their favorite teacher, which alone was enough to make tears well up. That honest, heartfelt expression of thanks reminded me why I went into education in the first place. In those moments, I felt the years of sweat, frustration, stack overflow (not just the coding platform, but the overload of tasks that can feel like a tidal wave), and project Gutenburg-style reading lists for the students were all worth it. Reading those words was like stumbling upon an online community—like the q&a communities so many of us frequent—that provides sincere encouragement when you need it most.


Finding the right words can be a challenge. Sometimes we don’t realize how a negative adjective or phrase with a negative connotation can demoralize someone who’s otherwise done a pretty good job. Similarly, using the most widely used adjective in an attempt to show appreciation might feel generic. That’s why being mindful of a teacher’s unique strengths and employing adjectives’ uniqueness is key.


If you’re a student (or a parent, colleague, or administrator) looking for ways to express your gratitude or provide meaningful feedback, here’s a quick list of descriptors to get you started—arranged in alphabetical order for convenience:

  1. Adaptable – Great at handling any changes in schedule or lesson plan.

  2. Attentive – Always pays close attention to every student’s individual needs.

  3. Brilliant – Shows exceptional knowledge in the subject matter.

  4. Compassionate – Genuinely cares about students’ well-being, academically and personally.

  5. Dedicated – Exemplifies hard work day in and day out.

  6. Empowering – Instills confidence and helps students believe in their abilities.

  7. Enthusiastic – Approaches teaching (and life) with positivity that fuels a positive learning environment.

  8. Flexible – Can pivot their teaching style to address immediate concerns or different learning styles.

  9. Humorous – Uses wit and fun to engage the classroom.

  10. Innovative – Crafts creative lesson plans that pique curiosity and attention.

  11. Motivational – Encourages students to reach higher and dream bigger.

  12. Patient – Takes the time to guide students through complex problems.

  13. Resourceful – Utilizes all available materials (like an online community or describing words engine) to enhance learning.

  14. Supportive – Offers help, guidance, and a listening ear whenever it’s needed.

  15. Understanding – Acknowledges the emotional and educational struggles students face.


This is by no means a comprehensive list of adjectives. There’s a much broader set of related words out there—some might even require a specialized “describing words engine” or a deep dive into your own personal reflections to find. The key is authenticity. Don’t just choose words because they sound nice; choose the words that genuinely resonate with the teacher’s strengths and the positive impact they’ve made on your educational experience.


Sometimes, feedback might involve negative adjectives if there’s a need to address teaching challenges. For instance, a feeling of anger teachers might experience arises when they receive feedback that feels unfair or couched in negativity without any constructive element. Negative adjectives carry a negative connotation that can hurt, especially if no solutions or personal reflections are offered. If you must use them, balance them with empathy and clarity, focusing on collaboration rather than blame. This can help the teacher learn and grow, just as they wish for their students.



For those who love exploring language, there are numerous platforms where you can find new and unique adjectives to expand your lexicon. Some Q&A communities even share specialized word lists for educators. Incorporating fresh expressions in your notes—rather than relying on the most widely used adjective—can create a memorable thank-you letter.

This exploration is a neat little thing that not only elevates the words on paper but also increases your awareness of how language shapes relationships. A teacher reading a carefully crafted note that precisely pinpoints what makes them an excellent teacher will treasure that letter more than any generic phrase.


At the end of the day, whether you’re writing a short letter or sharing a verbal thank-you, your sincerity is what counts. Even one line can have a profound impact if it’s honest. Telling someone they are an amazing teacher or the best teacher you’ve had can uplift them through the next day, the final Friday before a holiday, and the entire month beyond.


You might think your teacher is busy grading the next student’s paper or finalizing lesson plans, and it’s true—they probably are. But receiving a heartfelt note from a student or hearing verbal praise in class can be that much-needed spark that reminds them of the high calling of education. It’s truly the only way we can ensure that teachers remain inspired to tackle the huge responsibilities and the diverse subject areas they handle every day.


The next time you feel moved to express gratitude to a teacher—be it Ms. Jones, Mr. Smith, or even someone like me who has been doing this for a dozen years—consider carefully the words you’ll use. A single thoughtful phrase can become a treasure, sealed in memory forever and if you’d like to go further, compile a quick list of attributes. Think about how they’ve guided you through complex problems, or how they turned a routine Monday into something more inspirational than a typical school district day.


To all the students reading this, remember that you have a much better way to thank your teacher than just a casual wave in the hallway. Jot down your thoughts, or simply share them face-to-face. And to all the teachers reading—take a show of hands from your classroom, see who has something nice to say. You might be pleasantly surprised by the positive outcomes when you give students a chance to reflect on how you’ve impacted their lives.


Teachers are an important part of every community. Whether they specialize in math, handle a high school subject matter, or teach the fundamentals of reading in elementary school, they shape the future of the next generation. Their influence ripples out in ways we can’t always quantify—through the relative frequency of success stories, the students who pursue higher learning, or the ones who return years later with a special thanks for the life lessons taught in class.


Remember, you don’t need a complicated algorithm or a describing words engine to express appreciation in a heartfelt way. All you need is honesty. Each teacher, from the hard-working teacher down the hall to the favorite teacher you’ve known for years, deserves recognition. And the best part? When we use truly fitting adjectives, we reflect the reality of who these educators are: pillars of knowledge, guardians of dreams, and the caring individuals who give a pretty good job their all, day after day, every single day.


So, the next time you see a teacher diligently working through a pile of papers late into the evening, or staying after class to help someone master a new concept, consider offering a simple gesture of thanks. Use any of the positive adjectives from your own personal vocabulary—because words, especially those said in earnest, carry tremendous power. They can validate, uplift, and remind each teacher that all their hard work is more than worth it.


Thank you for reading, and I hope these thoughts inspire you to share a few adjectives’ uniqueness with the teacher who has made a significant way – for example changed your outlook on school, or even life. They need it more than you might imagine—and trust me, it will make them feel appreciated beyond measure.


Cheers and stay curious

Oliver - The Teaching Astrophysicist

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