Teacher vs. Educator

[mimi2011]

My teacher in one of my subjects posted to us this question, "What is the difference between a teacher and an educator?' When I look at these two words in the dictionary, they are synonymous. I don't know how to differentiate both. What is there difference?

Camille Rose Benitez
Second Year- BEED Major in Pre-school Education
University of Santo Tomas
camille_j7chttp://www.proteacher.net/discussions/images/smilies/symb.gifyahoo.com

[Kathy]

I've always thought them to be pretty much the same, maybe a teacher is paid by the school system and educator is some one they can learn off eg: mum and dad and those around in normal every day life ....... I'm stumped LOL

[Linda/NE]

I think the difference lies in the attitude of the individual. A teacher would be someone who comes to school each day, covers the necessary material, and meets the requirements of the job. An educator on the other hand puts their heart and soul into their calling. It's not just a job, it's a way of life. An educator looks for teachable moments, assesses the situation and adjusts as necessary. Many, many teachers in the schools today are TRUE educators. As Kathy said, I think parents and other adults can be educators as well. Maybe teachers are educators with a degree and teaching certificate? However not all teachers are that dedicated to their job.

Hope that helps!

[UmaNanna]

I think the difference lies in the attitude of the individual. A teacher would be someone who comes to school each day, covers the necessary material, and meets the requirements of the job. An educator on the other hand puts their heart and soul into their calling. It's not just a job, it's a way of life. An educator looks for teachable moments, assesses the situation and adjusts as necessary. Many, many teachers in the schools today are TRUE educators. As Kathy said, I think parents and other adults can be educators as well. Maybe teachers are educators with a degree and teaching certificate? However not all teachers are that dedicated to their job.

Hope that helps!

I think Linda is exactly right.
BTW, you're a newbie with over 2500 posts???????????????

[Linda/NE]

I've actually been around since 1999. I used to post quite frequently a few years ago when the previous owners had this site. I've become quite busy and rarely come here anymore. Not sure why the newbie status--must have been reset.

[Crafty Amanda]

Yeah that's weird about the newbie status, I'm checking on that right now.

[Crafty Amanda]

Ok, now I figured it out. Your title is fixed now Linda.