Teacher vs Instructor
Teacher and Instructor are two words that are often confused due to the appearing similarity between their meanings. Actually, they are two different words that indeed convey different meanings. The word ‘teacher’ is used in the sense of ‘trainer’ or ‘educator’. On the other hand, the word ‘instructor’ is used in the sense of ‘coach’. This is the main difference between the two words.
A coach normally instructs the players or the trainees, while conducting training sessions. That is why the word ‘instructor’ is more suitable to indicate a coach. On the other hand, a teacher is one who teaches or trains by giving information about the subject. In other words, a coach is a teacher too in some ways. This is due to the fact that he teaches the basics of the subject before coaching the students or the players.
Instruction deals with the practical aspects of a subject or an art. On the other hand, teaching deals with the theoretical aspects of a subject or an art. This is an important difference between teacher and instructor. A teacher, on the other hand, throws sufficient light on the ‘what to do’ aspects of a subject or an art. On the other hand, an instructor throws more light on the ‘how to do’ aspects of a subject or an art.
Teacher is a person who is appointed by the management of a school or any other educational institution to teach a given subject to the students. On the other hand, an instructor is appointed by the organizers of training camps or retreats. The job of an instructor is usually not a permanent one. On the other hand, the job of a teacher is a permanent one. These are the differences between the two words, namely, teacher and instructor.
Aron…………What a complete load of old tosh. As a former military instructor I also instructed theory and what to do. I was also selected by my organisation to instruct any given subject that I was qualified to do. I also instructed to an advanced level. I used to instruct on weapons, ceremonial drill, military law, advanced navigation and map reading as well as key skills, literacy and numeracy. Not just skill, but theory. Your argument is extremely weak and derogatory. Is a Flying Instructor not going to pass on the theory of flight and navigation to a potential pilot before then instructing him to fly? Ah……Sorry, most people say teaching someone to fly. That was also my main role. My permanent Job. I prefer to use the synonym role, as opposed to job. I was an instructor first and a soldier second. The real difference between an instructor and a teacher is that an Instructor does not tie himself to one subject. He or she does not become bored or complacent. Your issue is one of displaced elitism. Teachers per se (those who are on the governments pay roll and called teachers) consider themselves to be the owner of that genre. A degree does not make someone a teacher. Not having a degree does not make someone incapable of teaching. I am now an English Teacher (I do now have a degree though and, sorry, did I not mention that I left school with no more than ‘O’ Level in English, at grade ‘C’). I have met many teachers with exactly your view. What you fail to mention is that the variety of an instructors roles opens the mind to common sense and diversity. Something that I have noticed missing with some of my new colleagues. I don’t just teach English though. I teach the D of E students map reading, and the Air Cadets with their drill, weapon handling and theory of flight. Strange but none of my colleagues get involved. A teacher and an Instructor do exactly the same thing. They pass on information on a given subject, encompassing all elements of theory and skill contained therein.
Calm your nerves. You obviously know nothing about language instruction, If you did, you would know the author was referring to ESL language instructors.
Well said my friend. I also got my experience in the military. Never had a wash out or a person injured. However, I found after a hitch at instructing it was well to be in the field for a while. Just too much politics in the desk jockey’s world.
I think is save to leave it at: a teacher has a permanent job, as in a permanent contract (does not need to be renewed) and the instructor has a limited contract (one that has a very specific end date). For example, K-12 teachers are tenior (permanent) and their contract ends when they are fired, quit, or they retire. Adult school teachers are not tenior (limited) and their contract must be renew every year. I know becuase I’m one of those. Some colleges also only give a limited contract. Teacher or instructor at the core do the same: they educate. I only see a difference in the terms when it comes to how permanent the position is. That’s all.