In honour of World Teachers Day, we thought it would be great to look back at all the rock songs about teachers.

Several rock songs touch on the subject of teachers, either directly or indirectly. They often address the relationships between students and teachers, the educational system, or school life in general. Here are some notable rock songs that reference teachers:

  1. “Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2” by Pink Floyd – Perhaps the most famous song on this list, it’s known for the line “Hey, teacher, leave those kids alone!”
  2. “Don’t Stand So Close to Me” by The Police – This song touches on the inappropriate feelings of a schoolgirl for her teacher, and the teacher’s struggle with those feelings in return.
  3. “Hot for Teacher” by Van Halen – An overtly playful song about a young boy’s crush on his teacher.
  4. “School’s Out” by Alice Cooper – While not exclusively about teachers, this anthem for the end of the school year inevitably brings them to mind.
  5. “The Headmaster Ritual” by The Smiths – A song that critiques the British educational system, particularly the brutal treatment of students by teachers.
  6. “Teacher” by Jethro Tull – Discusses the lessons learned from life, some of which might come from teachers in the traditional sense and some from experiences.
  7. “Teach Your Children” by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – While not directly about school teachers, this song emphasizes the importance of teaching and guiding the younger generation.
  8. “Be True to Your School” by The Beach Boys – A fun song about school pride, which indirectly references the school environment and teachers.
  9. “Smokin’ in the Boys Room” by Brownsville Station (later covered by Mötley Crüe) – This is a rebellious song about school life, and while it doesn’t focus on teachers, they are a part of the school environment the song paints.
  10. “School Days” by Chuck Berry – An old rock ‘n’ roll classic that touches upon school life, ringing bells, and teachers.

These songs often capture specific moments, emotions, or critiques related to schooling and the people who are a part of that system. Some are more serious or critical, while others are just for fun.