World Teachers Day 2025 - Teacher Archetypes Uncovered: Which One Are You?

Every educator brings something special to their students—whether it’s wisdom, creativity, structure, or innovation. No two teachers are the same, and that’s what makes the classroom such an inspiring place.

In honour of World Teachers’ Day 2025, this lighthearted quiz celebrates the different teaching styles that shape students’ experiences. Whether you’re the mentor who always has the perfect words of encouragement, the innovator bringing fresh ideas to the table, or the storyteller who makes every lesson unforgettable, your impact is immeasurable. Take a moment for yourself, enjoy the quiz, and discover which teacher archetype best reflects your unique approach to education!

What Type of Teacher Are You?

Take this quick quiz to discover your teacher archetype! Keep track of your answers and check your results at the end.

1. How do you start your class?

a) With an inspiring quote or life lesson.
b) By testing out a cool new app or digital tool.
c) With a dramatic story that may or may not relate to the lesson.
d) By reminding students about due dates and expectations.
e) By improvising based on what the class seems interested in.

2. A student asks a completely unrelated but interesting question. What do you do?

a) Answer it thoughtfully, connecting it back to a bigger lesson.
b) Look it up on the spot and show them a cool online resource.
c) Launch into an engaging story that keeps the whole class hooked.
d) Redirect them to focus on the actual topic at hand.
e) Turn it into a spontaneous discussion and see where it goes.

3. What’s your approach to lesson planning?

a) I make sure there’s room for personal development along with academics.
b) I integrate as much technology as possible to make learning interactive.
c) I create a loose outline, but let storytelling guide me.
d) I stick to a structured plan—there’s no room for surprises.
e) Lesson plans? I prefer to go with the flow!

4. How do students describe you?

a) Supportive, wise, and always ready with advice.
b) Tech-savvy, innovative, and full of new ideas.
c) Fun, engaging, and full of great stories.
d) Strict but fair—they respect my high standards.
e) Unpredictable, creative, and exciting.

5. You overhear students talking about your teaching style. What do they say?

a) “They always know exactly what to say when we need advice.”
b) “Their lessons feel like using an app—it’s so interactive and cool.”
c) “I could listen to them tell stories all day.”
d) “They don’t mess around, but we always learn something.”
e) “I never know what’s coming next, but it’s always interesting.”

Results

Tally up your answers and see which letter you chose the most!

• Mostly A’s: You’re The Mentor – the wise and supportive guide who teaches students more than just academics.
• Mostly B’s: You’re The Innovator – always on the cutting edge, making learning exciting with new tools and ideas.
• Mostly C’s: You’re The Storyteller – your lessons are unforgettable because you turn everything into a compelling tale.
• Mostly D’s: You’re The Tough Love Coach – you hold students to high standards and push them to be their best.
• Mostly E’s: You’re The Chaos Magician – your spontaneity keeps students engaged, even if you never entirely stick to the plan.

If you have a mix of answers, congratulations! You’re a multi-dimensional teacher who brings different strengths to the classroom.

The Mentor (a.k.a. The Wise Owl)

The mentor is the teacher with a seemingly endless supply of motivational quotes and at least one book by Paulo Coelho on their desk. They can turn any classroom mishap into a life lesson and are often the go-to person for advice, whether it’s about essay writing or navigating teenage heartbreak. Their students may come to them for help with coursework, but they end up staying for guidance on life, university choices, and existential dilemmas. They are often heard saying, “It’s not about the grade; it’s about the journey.” Their secret talent is the ability to fix any crisis with a well-placed story about a former student who overcame exactly the same challenge. If you’ve ever been called the “classroom parent” and get completely invested in your students’ well-being, this one’s for you.

The Innovator (a.k.a. The EdTech Enthusiast)

The innovator is always ahead of the curve, armed with a standing desk, multiple screens, and a Google Drive folder for everything. They are constantly searching for the next big thing in teaching, whether it’s flipped classrooms, AI grading, or holographic guest speakers. They know more tech shortcuts than IT support and are often heard saying, “There’s an app for that!” Their secret talent is troubleshooting technology faster than the students who were born with Wi-Fi. If you have a smartboard obsession, own more gadgets than you can actually use, and once tried to turn a classroom debate into a VR simulation, welcome to the club.

The Storyteller (a.k.a. The Human Podcast)

The storyteller is the teacher who starts a lesson on Shakespeare but somehow ends up telling a gripping tale about a rogue pigeon from their university days. They have mastered the art of analogy, making algebra sound like a telenovela and history feel like a blockbuster movie. Their students remember their stories far more than the actual curriculum, and they are often heard saying, “This reminds me of a time when…” Their secret talent is the ability to stretch a five-minute story into a full lesson, no slides required. If your students often say, “Tell us another story!” instead of “Is this on the test?” you might just be this archetype.

The Tough Love Coach (a.k.a. The No-Nonsense Legend)

The tough love coach does not accept late assignments unless students produce a doctor’s note and a signed letter from their ancestors. They expect full sentences, eye contact, and firm handshakes, setting the bar high with unwavering standards. Despite their strict exterior, they have a heart of gold, always pushing students to be their best. They are often heard saying, “Life doesn’t have extensions, so neither do my deadlines.” Their secret talent is the ability to silence a classroom with just a look. If your students fear and respect you in equal measure but also turn to you for real-world advice, this is your archetype.

The Chaos Magician (a.k.a. The Teacher Who’s Wingin’ It)

The chaos magician thrives on controlled chaos and improvisation. They could teach an entire lesson with just a whiteboard marker and raw enthusiasm, often relying on “learning through experience” (which may or may not be code for “I didn’t plan this lesson”). Their lessons rarely go according to schedule, but they somehow always manage to make learning happen. They are often heard saying, “Let’s see where this takes us.” Their secret talent is turning a completely unrelated student question into a full-blown class discussion. If your lesson plans are “more like suggestions”, and you once taught a class using only a meme, this one’s for you.

Final Thoughts: Can You Be More Than One?

Of course! Teaching is an ever-changing, slightly chaotic (but wonderful) profession, and most educators embody a mix of these archetypes depending on the day, the class, and whether they’ve had enough coffee. So, which one are you? Or do you have a new archetype to add to the list? 

Happy World Teachers’ Day from all of us at Limina, and happy teaching!

By Chantal Tarling