pedagog

Pedagog is a term used to refer to a professional educator, especially one who teaches and guides learners in formal settings. The word derives from the Greek paidagogos, literally meaning “child leader,” originally describing a slave who accompanied boys to school and supervised their studies. Over time, the term came to denote a teacher or education specialist, and in many languages it remains a standard job title.

In English, pedagogue often carries a formal or literary tone, while pedagogy denotes the theory and practice of education. In many European and Eurasian languages—such as Polish, Czech, Russian, and several South Slavic languages—the cognate term is used as a general designation for teachers or education professionals.

Typical responsibilities include planning and delivering instruction, assessing learner needs, supporting development, managing classrooms, and applying inclusive and evidence-based teaching methods. Pedagogs may work in schools, kindergartens, special education settings, or in adult and community education. They may specialize in areas such as curriculum design, inclusive pedagogy, or educational psychology, and may hold university degrees in pedagogy or education science, with professional licensure or certification required in many jurisdictions.

The term emphasizes the educational process and pedagogical methods rather than administrative duties. While English usage treats pedagogue as somewhat formal or archaic, the underlying concept remains central to discussions about teaching methods, educational theory, and the practice of education.