# educator

/ˈɛdʒəˌkeɪtɝ/ (US) · /ˈɛdʒuːkˌeɪtɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/educator
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

a person who teaches or helps people learn, often in a professional way. This word is more formal than 'teacher' and can include people who design courses or lead schools.

For teachers: a person who provides instruction or education; a specialist in the theory and practice of pedagogy. Often used as a formal or professional designation for those involved in the broader field of instruction beyond classroom teaching.

## Examples

- She is a respected educator with twenty years of experience.
- The conference brought together educators from across the country to discuss new ways of teaching science.
- While many view the role as simply delivering information, a truly effective educator facilitates critical thinking and encourages students to challenge their own underlying assumptions.

## Usage notes

- Often used in formal contexts or when referring to the profession as a whole rather than a specific classroom teacher.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.