Ode to the teacher: here are some of our favorite on-screen educators from over the years

This iconic 90s TV character, played by Netflix’s Grace & Frankie actress Lily Tomlin, taught kids all the wonders that could be experienced within the world of science with just a little imagination. Troves of children would gather around this beloved PBS show to see what new adventures Ms. Frizzle would take her students on that day. Ms. Frizzle taught kids that it was okay to be curious about the world around them and just how much fun it could be.

William Daniels expertly portrayed this character with strength, empathy and wisdom solidfying him as one of the characters to remember from this ABC show. Mr. Feeny was the teacher we all wanted (and felt we needed) when times got tough due to his compassionate way of teaching his students that despite making mistakes we’re all important in our unique way. Through F-F-Feeny (as Eric Matthews would call out his name), we all grew up with nuggets of wisdom to last us a lifetime.

“Oh captain, my captain.” Robin Williams was unforgettable as English teacher John Keating. Mr. Keating taught his students to look at poetry in a new light — one with deep emotion and passion. He showed his students how to live with a passion for life regardless of the path they went down and how there is always more to it than what can be physically seen. Mr. Keating believed that everyone needed to find their own voice and that “words and ideas can change the world.”

As Ms. Honey, Embeth Davidtz proved to us that it only takes one person to believe in us and have our backs in order for us to achieve the impossible. Despite being surrounded by adults that were less kind, Matilda learned through Ms. Honey that they weren’t all the same. She provided Matilda with the support she needed to believe in herself, her abilities and to always do the right thing.

Ben Stein made the most out of his second on-screen credit when he took up the mantle of the pop culture icon that is “The Economics Teacher” in the popular 1986 film with Sarah Jessica Parker’s love Matthew Broderick. This role wasn’t too far a departure from his real life as his father was a famed economist and writer. What did the Economics Teacher actually teach us? The jury is still out, just like Ferris.

Julie Andrews stuns in The Sound of Music as a young nun-to-be who leaves her convent to become a governess (an at home teacher). Maria teaches the Von Trapp children that despite hardships that may arise, you can always count on the collective power of your six other siblings to get you through anything. Maria taught us to look at the world (and hills) with kinder eyes.

Like all of the adults in the beloved children’s show, based on Charles M. Schulz comic, Ms. Othmar is voiced by a trombone so we never really get to hear her say anything. But, that doesn’t stop Linus from loving her regardless. Through her relationship with Linus, we are shown what it means to truly care about someone regardless of your differences.

While initially underestimating the power that a group of kindergarteners possess, Detective Kimble quickly learned how to manage an ever-changing situation. While many educators teach us new things, it’s safe to say that John was the student here. Whether poignant commets from Lowell or learning how kids really can make your heart grow, we can all take Detective Kimble’s hard-learned lessons to heart — primarily how always think on your feet!

Tina Fey inserts her signature humor into the role of Ms. Norbury, while also adding the compassion that we find in all teachers. Ms. Norbury is also the one to remind Cady Heron, played by Lindsay Lohan, that it is more than okay to stay true to yourself. Tina’s character, like many caring teachers and adults, understood that mistakes need to be made in order for you to find out who you really are in life. But the biggest lesson? That fitting in is terribly overrated.

Dennis Haskins’ Mr. Richard Belding was an educator with principles, compassion and incredible patience (which was often tested by Mark-Paul Gosselaar’s Zack Morris). Regardless of whatever shennigans Zack and his friends would be up to, Mr. Belding always help them accountable in the best of ways, prompting their steady growth in adulthood. He also taught us that it’s okay to ‘lose your cool’ on occasion when someone is being truly exasperating.

Marcia Wallace voiced the iconic Ms. Krabappel on The Simpsons. She taught Bart and his gang about the world and everything that it held in her very ‘matter of a fact’ way of being. There is no denying the effect that her presence had on her students, especially Bart. This beloved character was retired from the show in season 25 after the death of Marcia.

In one of John Travolta’s earlier roles, Welcome Back, Kotter follows the story of Gabe Kaplan’s Mr. Kotter as he returns to his old high school to teach. Mr. Kotter understands that all students deserve a chance to succeed, but that sometimes they just need a little push. Through his relationship with his students, he reminds them of their potential and fosters their ability to learn and grow — just like Ms. Honey in Matilda.