pedagogue
UK: ˈpɛdəɡɒɡ | US: ˈpɛdəɡɑːɡ
n. a teacher, especially one who is strict or overly formal in instruction
n. (historically) a slave who escorted children to school in ancient Greece
The word "pedagogue" originated in ancient Greece, where a paidagōgos was a slave tasked with escorting children (pais) to school and supervising them. Over time, the term evolved to denote any teacher, often with a connotation of strictness or dogmatism, reflecting the disciplinarian role of the original paidagōgos. The morphemes ped- (child) and -agogue (leader) preserve this historical logic, combining to form a "leader/guide of children."
The old-fashioned pedagogue insisted on rote memorization for all his students.
In ancient Athens, a pedagogue was responsible for a child’s moral and behavioral education.
Modern educators strive to be mentors rather than rigid pedagogues.
Her teaching style was criticized as overly pedagogical, lacking creativity.
The term "pedagogy" derives from the same Greek roots as "pedagogue."