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American Focus > Blog > Education > 100+ Best Classroom Quotes To Inspire Students (Free Posters!)
Education

100+ Best Classroom Quotes To Inspire Students (Free Posters!)

Last updated: June 11, 2026 7:40 pm
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100+ Best Classroom Quotes To Inspire Students (Free Posters!)
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Contents
Favorite Classroom Quotes From Real TeachersClassroom Quotes for Elementary SchoolClassroom Quotes for Middle SchoolersClassroom Quotes About KindnessGrowth Mindset Classroom QuotesClassroom Quotes About LearningQuotes for Inclusive ClassroomsClassroom Quotes for Daily Motivation5 Ways To Use Quotes in the ClassroomGet your classroom quote posters!Favorite Classroom Quotes From Real TeachersClassroom Quotes for Elementary SchoolClassroom Quotes for Middle SchoolersClassroom Quotes About KindnessGrowth Mindset Classroom QuotesClassroom Quotes About LearningQuotes for Inclusive ClassroomsClassroom Quotes for Daily Motivation5 Ways To Use Quotes in the ClassroomGet your classroom quote posters!Favorite Classroom Quotes From Real TeachersClassroom Quotes for Elementary SchoolClassroom Quotes for Middle SchoolersClassroom Quotes About KindnessGrowth Mindset Classroom QuotesClassroom Quotes About LearningQuotes for Inclusive ClassroomsClassroom Quotes for Daily Motivation5 Ways To Use Quotes in the ClassroomGet your classroom quote posters!Favorite Classroom Quotes From Real TeachersClassroom Quotes for Elementary SchoolClassroom Quotes for Middle SchoolersClassroom Quotes About KindnessGrowth Mindset Classroom QuotesClassroom Quotes About LearningQuotes for Inclusive ClassroomsClassroom Quotes for Daily Motivation5 Ways To Use Quotes in the ClassroomGet your classroom quote posters!Favorite Classroom Quotes From Real TeachersClassroom Quotes for Elementary SchoolClassroom Quotes for Middle SchoolersClassroom Quotes About KindnessGrowth Mindset Classroom QuotesClassroom Quotes About LearningQuotes for Inclusive ClassroomsClassroom Quotes for Daily Motivation5 Ways To Use Quotes in the ClassroomGet your classroom quote posters!Favorite Classroom Quotes From Real TeachersClassroom Quotes for Elementary SchoolClassroom Quotes for Middle SchoolersClassroom Quotes About KindnessGrowth Mindset Classroom QuotesClassroom Quotes About LearningQuotes for Inclusive ClassroomsClassroom Quotes for Daily Motivation5 Ways To Use Quotes in the ClassroomGet your classroom quote posters!Favorite Classroom Quotes From Real TeachersClassroom Quotes for Elementary SchoolClassroom Quotes for Middle SchoolersClassroom Quotes About KindnessGrowth Mindset Classroom QuotesClassroom Quotes About LearningQuotes for Inclusive ClassroomsClassroom Quotes for Daily Motivation5 Ways To Use Quotes in the ClassroomGet your classroom quote posters!Favorite Classroom Quotes From Real TeachersClassroom Quotes for Elementary SchoolClassroom Quotes for Middle SchoolersClassroom Quotes About KindnessGrowth Mindset Classroom QuotesClassroom Quotes About LearningQuotes for Inclusive ClassroomsClassroom Quotes for Daily Motivation5 Ways To Use Quotes in the ClassroomGet your classroom quote posters!Favorite Classroom Quotes From Real TeachersClassroom Quotes for Elementary SchoolClassroom Quotes for Middle SchoolersClassroom Quotes About KindnessGrowth Mindset Classroom QuotesClassroom Quotes About LearningQuotes for Inclusive ClassroomsClassroom Quotes for Daily Motivation5 Ways To Use Quotes in the ClassroomGet your classroom quote posters!Favorite Classroom Quotes From Real TeachersClassroom Quotes for Elementary SchoolClassroom Quotes for Middle SchoolersClassroom Quotes About KindnessGrowth Mindset Classroom QuotesClassroom Quotes About LearningQuotes for Inclusive ClassroomsClassroom Quotes for Daily Motivation5 Ways To Use Quotes in the ClassroomGet your classroom quote posters!

Work only with the content inside

We love using inspirational quotes to motivate and encourage students. The power of words just cannot be overestimated. Sometimes sharing the right words at the right moment can make all the difference. Here are some of our all-time favorite classroom quotes, as spotted on Instagram.

Jump to:

Five examples of classroom quotes posters
We Are Teachers

FREE PRINTABLES

Classroom Quote Posters

We’ve collected some of our favorite classroom quote posters for you to print and hang. Just fill out the form on this page for your free set!

Favorite Classroom Quotes From Real Teachers

We asked teachers to share the quotes they love using in the classroom. These are their top picks!

Grown-ups never understand anything by themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them.

"My favorite is by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. I teach pre-K, and it's amazing how littles see the world with such a unique lens. And I love how much I can learn from them each day. They make me smile, laugh, and reframe my thinking in whimsical and imaginative ways!" —Katie H.

“My favorite is by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. I teach pre-K, and it’s amazing how littles see the world with such a unique lens. And I love how much I can learn from them each day. They make me smile, laugh, and reframe my thinking in whimsical and imaginative ways!” —Katie H.

We have grit and we won’t quit!

“Our elementary P.E. teacher taught the kids to say this. I have them chant it often as a reminder to persevere through struggles. It’s catchy, it rhymes, and it imparts an excellent life lesson with wide application. For example, before beginning our hands-on STEM unit, we talk about how scientists don’t expect things to work perfectly on the first try, but they are problem-solvers who try again. It may take many tries but you shouldn’t give up!” —Amy B.

I’m not crazy. I’m just creative!

“My favorite quote actually came from one of my 4th graders last year! I loved it so much when I heard her say it that she wrote it down for me and I hung it on my wall. I use it to encourage outside-of-the-box thinking and being your own authentic self, always!” —Eliana B.

Classroom Quotes for Elementary School

Be the leader in a school of fish.

Classroom quotes: Be the leader in a school of fish.

Be a pineapple. Stand tall, wear a crown, and be sweet on the inside.

2. Be a pineapple. Stand tall, wear a crown, and be sweet on the inside.- classroom quotes

From small beginnings come great things.

12. From small beginnings come great things.

You are loved.

19. You are loved.

Broken crayons still color.

20. Broken crayons still color.- classroom quotes

Make today so awesome yesterday is jealous.

13. Make today so awesome yesterday is jealous.- classroom quotes

Say what you mean but don’t say it mean.

45. Say what you mean but don't say it mean.- classroom quotes

Be awesome, be amazing, be you.

15. Be awesome, be amazing, be you.

In our class we don’t do easy. We make easy happen through hard work and learning.

23. In our class we don't do easy. We make easy happen through hard work and learning.

Classroom Quotes for Middle Schoolers

You’re going to rattle the stars, you are.

38. You're going to rattle the stars, you are.- classroom quotes

Don’t look at your feet to see if you are doing it right. Just dance.

64. Don't look at your feet to see if you are doing it right. Just dance.

Live out of your imagination, not your history.

66. Live out of your imagination, not your history.- classroom quotes

Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.

Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.

If you smile when no one else is around, you really mean it.

If you smile when no one else is around, you really mean it.- classroom quotes

Never bend your head. Hold it high. Look the world in the eye.

29. Never bend your head. Hold it high. Look the world in the eye.

Misfits we may be, but we will rewrite history.

32. Misfits we may be, but we will rewrite history.

Everything you’ve ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear.

Everything you've ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear.

It’s easier to floss with barbed wire than admit you like someone in middle school.

It's easier to floss with barbed wire than admit you like someone in middle school.- classroom quotes

To have good friends, you need to be one.

To have good friends, you need to be one.

Classroom Quotes About Kindness

Kind is the new cool.

Kind is the new cool.

If the words you spoke appeared on your skin, would you still be beautiful?

5. If the words you spoke appeared on your skin, would you still be beautiful?

Look with kindness and you will find wonder.

14. Look with kindness and you will find wonder.- classroom quotes

In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

18. In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

Throw kindness around like confetti.

26. Throw kindness around like confetti.

Be the reason someone smiles today.

35. Be the reason someone smiles today.

You will never regret being kind.

47. You will never regret being kind.

Let’s root for each other and watch each other grow.

30. Let's root for each other and watch each other grow.- classroom quotes

Growth Mindset Classroom Quotes

I may not be there yet, but I am closer than I was yesterday.

6. I may not be there yet but I am closer than I was yesterday.

Try again. Fail again. Fail better.

28. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.- classroom quotes

If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.

39. If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you.

Mistakes help me learn better.

43. Mistakes help me learn better.

Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.

71. Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.-classroom quotes

Don’t worry about failure … you only have to be right once.

72. Don’t worry about failure ... you only have to be right once.

A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.

A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.- classroom quotes

There’s a way to do it better. Find it.

There’s a way to do it better. Find it.

A year from now, you will wish you had started today.

68. A year from now, you will wish you had started today.

All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.

36. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.

If there is no struggle, there is no progress.

74. If there is no struggle, there is no progress.- classroom quotes

Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.

54. Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.

The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same.

55. The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same.

Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.

56. Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.- classroom quotes

When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.

59. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.

He who questions much shall learn much and retain much.

He who questions much shall learn much and retain much.- classroom quotes

Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.

34. Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right.- classroom quotes

Everything you don’t know is something you can learn.

42. Everything you don't know is something you can learn.

It doesn’t matter what others are doing, it matters what you are doing.

50. It doesn't matter what others are doing, it matters what you are doing.

When you change your thoughts, remember to also change your world.

53. When you change your thoughts, remember to also change your world.- classroom quotes

Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward.

57. Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward.

Either you run the day or the day runs you.

58. Either you run the day or the day runs you.

Classroom Quotes About Learning

Reading is like breathing in, writing is like breathing out.

8. Reading is like breathing in, writing is like breathing out.

Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.

16. Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.

The earth without art is just eh.

27. The earth without art is just eh.

Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.

60. Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.

Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new.

61. Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new.- classroom quotes

The classroom should be an entrance into the world, not an escape from it.

The classroom should be an entrance into the world, not an escape from it.

If we value all readers, we must value all reading.

If we value all readers, we must value all reading.- classroom quotes

The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.

The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.

Excellence is an art won by training and habituation.

Excellence is an art won by training and habituation.- classroom quotes

Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire.

Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire.- classroom quotes

Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.

Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.

No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.

No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.

The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.

The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.

The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.

33. The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.

The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one.

The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one.- classroom quotes

The future of the world is in my classroom today.

The future of the world is in my classroom today.

I am not a teacher but an awakener.

I am not a teacher but an awakener.

Learn as if you will live forever, live like you will die tomorrow.

52. Learn as if you will live forever, live like you will die tomorrow.

Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.

Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.- classroom quotes

Quotes for Inclusive Classrooms

Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.

17. Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.- classroom quotes

Even if hate has a bullhorn, love is louder.

7. Even if hate has a bullhorn, love is louder.

None of us is as smart as all of us.

11. None of us is as smart as all of us.

You’re here. You take up space. You matter.

24. You're here. You take up space. You matter.- classroom quotes

Your voice matters.

25. Your voice matters.- classroom quotes

We may all be different fish, but at this school we swim together.

44. We may all be different fish, but at this school we swim together.

You belong here.

46. You belong here.

Classroom Quotes for Daily Motivation

Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.

4. Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.

Hustle beats talent when talent doesn’t hustle.

69. Hustle beats talent when talent doesn’t hustle.

If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough.

10. If your dreams don't scare you, they aren't big enough.

Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.

22. Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.

It’s a good day for a good day.

40. It's a good day for a good day.

You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.

41. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.- classroom quotes

Look closely at the present you are constructing. It should look like the future you are dreaming.

48. Look closely at the present you are constructing. It should look like the future you are dreaming.

Wake up and be awesome.

51. Wake up and be awesome.

49. Excellence is doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.- classroom quotes

Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.

62. Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.

If you’re not positive energy, you’re negative energy.

63. If you’re not positive energy, you’re negative energy.

Set your goals high, and don’t stop till you get there.

65. Set your goals high, and don’t stop till you get there.

Worry is a misuse of imagination.

67. Worry is a misuse of imagination.

You carry the passport to your own happiness.

73. You carry the passport to your own happiness.

It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.

75. It's kind of fun to do the impossible.

No one is perfect—that’s why pencils have erasers.

No one is perfect—that’s why pencils have erasers.- classroom quotes

The secret of getting ahead is getting started.

The secret of getting ahead is getting started.

Only surround yourself with people who will lift you higher.

Only surround yourself with people who will lift you higher.- classroom quotes

Everything comes to he who hustles while he waits.

Everything comes to he who hustles while he waits.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.

Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.

Ideas are great arrows, but there has to be a bow.

Ideas are great arrows, but there has to be a bow.

History: a collection of epitaphs.

History: a collection of epitaphs.

I never dreamt of success. I worked for it.

I never dreamt of success. I worked for it.

Passion is the genesis of genius.

Passion is the genesis of genius.

5 Ways To Use Quotes in the Classroom

Try these ideas for using inspirational quotes of all kinds with your students.

Daily Quotes

Share a quote during your morning meeting and discuss it with your students. It can set the tone for the entire day!

Writing Prompts

Post a quote and ask students to reflect on what it means to them in their personal journals. You can also encourage kids to write stories or essays with these quotes as the central theme.

a computer and ipad screen showing examples of the writing prompts for high school google slides
We Are Teachers

Quote-Inspired Skits

Break students into groups and assign each one a quote (or let them choose). Then, have them write and act out a short skit that shows that quote in action.

Quote Debates

Choose a quote and invite students to think about whether they agree or disagree with the sentiment. Then, hold a (friendly) classroom debate to practice effective arguments.

blank student debate graphic organizers and posters
We Are Teachers

Classroom Decor

Print and hang our free posters, use a quote to center a bulletin board, or ask students to choose a quote to illustrate. Easy, inspirational classroom decorations in a snap!

Get your classroom quote posters!

Five examples of classroom quotes posters
We Are Teachers

We’ve selected five of our very favorite quotes for you to print and hang around your classroom. Hit the button, then fill out the form on this page for your free set!

Explore all of our Back to School Resources here!

Plus, see all of our Printable Classroom Posters here!

.

SOURCE-BOUND RULES:
– Use only the facts, names, dates, numbers, quotes, titles, roles, affiliations, legal characterizations, and other details explicitly present in

We love using inspirational quotes to motivate and encourage students. The power of words just cannot be overestimated. Sometimes sharing the right words at the right moment can make all the difference. Here are some of our all-time favorite classroom quotes, as spotted on Instagram.

Jump to:

Five examples of classroom quotes posters
We Are Teachers

FREE PRINTABLES

Classroom Quote Posters

We’ve collected some of our favorite classroom quote posters for you to print and hang. Just fill out the form on this page for your free set!

Favorite Classroom Quotes From Real Teachers

We asked teachers to share the quotes they love using in the classroom. These are their top picks!

Grown-ups never understand anything by themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them.

"My favorite is by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. I teach pre-K, and it's amazing how littles see the world with such a unique lens. And I love how much I can learn from them each day. They make me smile, laugh, and reframe my thinking in whimsical and imaginative ways!" —Katie H.

“My favorite is by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. I teach pre-K, and it’s amazing how littles see the world with such a unique lens. And I love how much I can learn from them each day. They make me smile, laugh, and reframe my thinking in whimsical and imaginative ways!” —Katie H.

We have grit and we won’t quit!

“Our elementary P.E. teacher taught the kids to say this. I have them chant it often as a reminder to persevere through struggles. It’s catchy, it rhymes, and it imparts an excellent life lesson with wide application. For example, before beginning our hands-on STEM unit, we talk about how scientists don’t expect things to work perfectly on the first try, but they are problem-solvers who try again. It may take many tries but you shouldn’t give up!” —Amy B.

I’m not crazy. I’m just creative!

“My favorite quote actually came from one of my 4th graders last year! I loved it so much when I heard her say it that she wrote it down for me and I hung it on my wall. I use it to encourage outside-of-the-box thinking and being your own authentic self, always!” —Eliana B.

Classroom Quotes for Elementary School

Be the leader in a school of fish.

Classroom quotes: Be the leader in a school of fish.

Be a pineapple. Stand tall, wear a crown, and be sweet on the inside.

2. Be a pineapple. Stand tall, wear a crown, and be sweet on the inside.- classroom quotes

From small beginnings come great things.

12. From small beginnings come great things.

You are loved.

19. You are loved.

Broken crayons still color.

20. Broken crayons still color.- classroom quotes

Make today so awesome yesterday is jealous.

13. Make today so awesome yesterday is jealous.- classroom quotes

Say what you mean but don’t say it mean.

45. Say what you mean but don't say it mean.- classroom quotes

Be awesome, be amazing, be you.

15. Be awesome, be amazing, be you.

In our class we don’t do easy. We make easy happen through hard work and learning.

23. In our class we don't do easy. We make easy happen through hard work and learning.

Classroom Quotes for Middle Schoolers

You’re going to rattle the stars, you are.

38. You're going to rattle the stars, you are.- classroom quotes

Don’t look at your feet to see if you are doing it right. Just dance.

64. Don't look at your feet to see if you are doing it right. Just dance.

Live out of your imagination, not your history.

66. Live out of your imagination, not your history.- classroom quotes

Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.

Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.

If you smile when no one else is around, you really mean it.

If you smile when no one else is around, you really mean it.- classroom quotes

Never bend your head. Hold it high. Look the world in the eye.

29. Never bend your head. Hold it high. Look the world in the eye.

Misfits we may be, but we will rewrite history.

32. Misfits we may be, but we will rewrite history.

Everything you’ve ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear.

Everything you've ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear.

It’s easier to floss with barbed wire than admit you like someone in middle school.

It's easier to floss with barbed wire than admit you like someone in middle school.- classroom quotes

To have good friends, you need to be one.

To have good friends, you need to be one.

Classroom Quotes About Kindness

Kind is the new cool.

Kind is the new cool.

If the words you spoke appeared on your skin, would you still be beautiful?

5. If the words you spoke appeared on your skin, would you still be beautiful?

Look with kindness and you will find wonder.

14. Look with kindness and you will find wonder.- classroom quotes

In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

18. In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

Throw kindness around like confetti.

26. Throw kindness around like confetti.

Be the reason someone smiles today.

35. Be the reason someone smiles today.

You will never regret being kind.

47. You will never regret being kind.

Let’s root for each other and watch each other grow.

30. Let's root for each other and watch each other grow.- classroom quotes

Growth Mindset Classroom Quotes

I may not be there yet, but I am closer than I was yesterday.

6. I may not be there yet but I am closer than I was yesterday.

Try again. Fail again. Fail better.

28. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.- classroom quotes

If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.

39. If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you.

Mistakes help me learn better.

43. Mistakes help me learn better.

Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.

71. Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.-classroom quotes

Don’t worry about failure … you only have to be right once.

72. Don’t worry about failure ... you only have to be right once.

A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.

A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.- classroom quotes

There’s a way to do it better. Find it.

There’s a way to do it better. Find it.

A year from now, you will wish you had started today.

68. A year from now, you will wish you had started today.

All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.

36. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.

If there is no struggle, there is no progress.

74. If there is no struggle, there is no progress.- classroom quotes

Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.

54. Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.

The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same.

55. The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same.

Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.

56. Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.- classroom quotes

When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.

59. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.

He who questions much shall learn much and retain much.

He who questions much shall learn much and retain much.- classroom quotes

Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.

34. Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right.- classroom quotes

Everything you don’t know is something you can learn.

42. Everything you don't know is something you can learn.

It doesn’t matter what others are doing, it matters what you are doing.

50. It doesn't matter what others are doing, it matters what you are doing.

When you change your thoughts, remember to also change your world.

53. When you change your thoughts, remember to also change your world.- classroom quotes

Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward.

57. Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward.

Either you run the day or the day runs you.

58. Either you run the day or the day runs you.

Classroom Quotes About Learning

Reading is like breathing in, writing is like breathing out.

8. Reading is like breathing in, writing is like breathing out.

Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.

16. Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.

The earth without art is just eh.

27. The earth without art is just eh.

Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.

60. Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.

Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new.

61. Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new.- classroom quotes

The classroom should be an entrance into the world, not an escape from it.

The classroom should be an entrance into the world, not an escape from it.

If we value all readers, we must value all reading.

If we value all readers, we must value all reading.- classroom quotes

The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.

The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.

Excellence is an art won by training and habituation.

Excellence is an art won by training and habituation.- classroom quotes

Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire.

Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire.- classroom quotes

Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.

Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.

No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.

No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.

The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.

The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.

The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.

33. The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.

The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one.

The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one.- classroom quotes

The future of the world is in my classroom today.

The future of the world is in my classroom today.

I am not a teacher but an awakener.

I am not a teacher but an awakener.

Learn as if you will live forever, live like you will die tomorrow.

52. Learn as if you will live forever, live like you will die tomorrow.

Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.

Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.- classroom quotes

Quotes for Inclusive Classrooms

Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.

17. Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.- classroom quotes

Even if hate has a bullhorn, love is louder.

7. Even if hate has a bullhorn, love is louder.

None of us is as smart as all of us.

11. None of us is as smart as all of us.

You’re here. You take up space. You matter.

24. You're here. You take up space. You matter.- classroom quotes

Your voice matters.

25. Your voice matters.- classroom quotes

We may all be different fish, but at this school we swim together.

44. We may all be different fish, but at this school we swim together.

You belong here.

46. You belong here.

Classroom Quotes for Daily Motivation

Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.

4. Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.

Hustle beats talent when talent doesn’t hustle.

69. Hustle beats talent when talent doesn’t hustle.

If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough.

10. If your dreams don't scare you, they aren't big enough.

Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.

22. Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.

It’s a good day for a good day.

40. It's a good day for a good day.

You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.

41. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.- classroom quotes

Look closely at the present you are constructing. It should look like the future you are dreaming.

48. Look closely at the present you are constructing. It should look like the future you are dreaming.

Wake up and be awesome.

51. Wake up and be awesome.

49. Excellence is doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.- classroom quotes

Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.

62. Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.

If you’re not positive energy, you’re negative energy.

63. If you’re not positive energy, you’re negative energy.

Set your goals high, and don’t stop till you get there.

65. Set your goals high, and don’t stop till you get there.

Worry is a misuse of imagination.

67. Worry is a misuse of imagination.

You carry the passport to your own happiness.

73. You carry the passport to your own happiness.

It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.

75. It's kind of fun to do the impossible.

No one is perfect—that’s why pencils have erasers.

No one is perfect—that’s why pencils have erasers.- classroom quotes

The secret of getting ahead is getting started.

The secret of getting ahead is getting started.

Only surround yourself with people who will lift you higher.

Only surround yourself with people who will lift you higher.- classroom quotes

Everything comes to he who hustles while he waits.

Everything comes to he who hustles while he waits.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.

Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.

Ideas are great arrows, but there has to be a bow.

Ideas are great arrows, but there has to be a bow.

History: a collection of epitaphs.

History: a collection of epitaphs.

I never dreamt of success. I worked for it.

I never dreamt of success. I worked for it.

Passion is the genesis of genius.

Passion is the genesis of genius.

5 Ways To Use Quotes in the Classroom

Try these ideas for using inspirational quotes of all kinds with your students.

Daily Quotes

Share a quote during your morning meeting and discuss it with your students. It can set the tone for the entire day!

Writing Prompts

Post a quote and ask students to reflect on what it means to them in their personal journals. You can also encourage kids to write stories or essays with these quotes as the central theme.

a computer and ipad screen showing examples of the writing prompts for high school google slides
We Are Teachers

Quote-Inspired Skits

Break students into groups and assign each one a quote (or let them choose). Then, have them write and act out a short skit that shows that quote in action.

Quote Debates

Choose a quote and invite students to think about whether they agree or disagree with the sentiment. Then, hold a (friendly) classroom debate to practice effective arguments.

blank student debate graphic organizers and posters
We Are Teachers

Classroom Decor

Print and hang our free posters, use a quote to center a bulletin board, or ask students to choose a quote to illustrate. Easy, inspirational classroom decorations in a snap!

Get your classroom quote posters!

Five examples of classroom quotes posters
We Are Teachers

We’ve selected five of our very favorite quotes for you to print and hang around your classroom. Hit the button, then fill out the form on this page for your free set!

Explore all of our Back to School Resources here!

Plus, see all of our Printable Classroom Posters here!

.
– Do not add, infer, update, correct, or supplement anything from memory or outside knowledge.
– Do not add new facts, dates, numbers, quotations, positions, statuses, titles, biographical details, organization names, or legal assessments if they are not present in

We love using inspirational quotes to motivate and encourage students. The power of words just cannot be overestimated. Sometimes sharing the right words at the right moment can make all the difference. Here are some of our all-time favorite classroom quotes, as spotted on Instagram.

Jump to:

Five examples of classroom quotes posters
We Are Teachers

FREE PRINTABLES

Classroom Quote Posters

We’ve collected some of our favorite classroom quote posters for you to print and hang. Just fill out the form on this page for your free set!

Favorite Classroom Quotes From Real Teachers

We asked teachers to share the quotes they love using in the classroom. These are their top picks!

Grown-ups never understand anything by themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them.

"My favorite is by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. I teach pre-K, and it's amazing how littles see the world with such a unique lens. And I love how much I can learn from them each day. They make me smile, laugh, and reframe my thinking in whimsical and imaginative ways!" —Katie H.

“My favorite is by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. I teach pre-K, and it’s amazing how littles see the world with such a unique lens. And I love how much I can learn from them each day. They make me smile, laugh, and reframe my thinking in whimsical and imaginative ways!” —Katie H.

We have grit and we won’t quit!

“Our elementary P.E. teacher taught the kids to say this. I have them chant it often as a reminder to persevere through struggles. It’s catchy, it rhymes, and it imparts an excellent life lesson with wide application. For example, before beginning our hands-on STEM unit, we talk about how scientists don’t expect things to work perfectly on the first try, but they are problem-solvers who try again. It may take many tries but you shouldn’t give up!” —Amy B.

I’m not crazy. I’m just creative!

“My favorite quote actually came from one of my 4th graders last year! I loved it so much when I heard her say it that she wrote it down for me and I hung it on my wall. I use it to encourage outside-of-the-box thinking and being your own authentic self, always!” —Eliana B.

Classroom Quotes for Elementary School

Be the leader in a school of fish.

Classroom quotes: Be the leader in a school of fish.

Be a pineapple. Stand tall, wear a crown, and be sweet on the inside.

2. Be a pineapple. Stand tall, wear a crown, and be sweet on the inside.- classroom quotes

From small beginnings come great things.

12. From small beginnings come great things.

You are loved.

19. You are loved.

Broken crayons still color.

20. Broken crayons still color.- classroom quotes

Make today so awesome yesterday is jealous.

13. Make today so awesome yesterday is jealous.- classroom quotes

Say what you mean but don’t say it mean.

45. Say what you mean but don't say it mean.- classroom quotes

Be awesome, be amazing, be you.

15. Be awesome, be amazing, be you.

In our class we don’t do easy. We make easy happen through hard work and learning.

23. In our class we don't do easy. We make easy happen through hard work and learning.

Classroom Quotes for Middle Schoolers

You’re going to rattle the stars, you are.

38. You're going to rattle the stars, you are.- classroom quotes

Don’t look at your feet to see if you are doing it right. Just dance.

64. Don't look at your feet to see if you are doing it right. Just dance.

Live out of your imagination, not your history.

66. Live out of your imagination, not your history.- classroom quotes

Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.

Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.

If you smile when no one else is around, you really mean it.

If you smile when no one else is around, you really mean it.- classroom quotes

Never bend your head. Hold it high. Look the world in the eye.

29. Never bend your head. Hold it high. Look the world in the eye.

Misfits we may be, but we will rewrite history.

32. Misfits we may be, but we will rewrite history.

Everything you’ve ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear.

Everything you've ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear.

It’s easier to floss with barbed wire than admit you like someone in middle school.

It's easier to floss with barbed wire than admit you like someone in middle school.- classroom quotes

To have good friends, you need to be one.

To have good friends, you need to be one.

Classroom Quotes About Kindness

Kind is the new cool.

Kind is the new cool.

If the words you spoke appeared on your skin, would you still be beautiful?

5. If the words you spoke appeared on your skin, would you still be beautiful?

Look with kindness and you will find wonder.

14. Look with kindness and you will find wonder.- classroom quotes

In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

18. In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

Throw kindness around like confetti.

26. Throw kindness around like confetti.

Be the reason someone smiles today.

35. Be the reason someone smiles today.

You will never regret being kind.

47. You will never regret being kind.

Let’s root for each other and watch each other grow.

30. Let's root for each other and watch each other grow.- classroom quotes

Growth Mindset Classroom Quotes

I may not be there yet, but I am closer than I was yesterday.

6. I may not be there yet but I am closer than I was yesterday.

Try again. Fail again. Fail better.

28. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.- classroom quotes

If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.

39. If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you.

Mistakes help me learn better.

43. Mistakes help me learn better.

Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.

71. Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.-classroom quotes

Don’t worry about failure … you only have to be right once.

72. Don’t worry about failure ... you only have to be right once.

A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.

A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.- classroom quotes

There’s a way to do it better. Find it.

There’s a way to do it better. Find it.

A year from now, you will wish you had started today.

68. A year from now, you will wish you had started today.

All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.

36. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.

If there is no struggle, there is no progress.

74. If there is no struggle, there is no progress.- classroom quotes

Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.

54. Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.

The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same.

55. The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same.

Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.

56. Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.- classroom quotes

When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.

59. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.

He who questions much shall learn much and retain much.

He who questions much shall learn much and retain much.- classroom quotes

Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.

34. Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right.- classroom quotes

Everything you don’t know is something you can learn.

42. Everything you don't know is something you can learn.

It doesn’t matter what others are doing, it matters what you are doing.

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50. It doesn't matter what others are doing, it matters what you are doing.

When you change your thoughts, remember to also change your world.

53. When you change your thoughts, remember to also change your world.- classroom quotes

Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward.

57. Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward.

Either you run the day or the day runs you.

58. Either you run the day or the day runs you.

Classroom Quotes About Learning

Reading is like breathing in, writing is like breathing out.

8. Reading is like breathing in, writing is like breathing out.

Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.

16. Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.

The earth without art is just eh.

27. The earth without art is just eh.

Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.

60. Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.

Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new.

61. Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new.- classroom quotes

The classroom should be an entrance into the world, not an escape from it.

The classroom should be an entrance into the world, not an escape from it.

If we value all readers, we must value all reading.

If we value all readers, we must value all reading.- classroom quotes

The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.

The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.

Excellence is an art won by training and habituation.

Excellence is an art won by training and habituation.- classroom quotes

Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire.

Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire.- classroom quotes

Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.

Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.

No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.

No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.

The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.

The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.

The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.

33. The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.

The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one.

The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one.- classroom quotes

The future of the world is in my classroom today.

The future of the world is in my classroom today.

I am not a teacher but an awakener.

I am not a teacher but an awakener.

Learn as if you will live forever, live like you will die tomorrow.

52. Learn as if you will live forever, live like you will die tomorrow.

Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.

Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.- classroom quotes

Quotes for Inclusive Classrooms

Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.

17. Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.- classroom quotes

Even if hate has a bullhorn, love is louder.

7. Even if hate has a bullhorn, love is louder.

None of us is as smart as all of us.

11. None of us is as smart as all of us.

You’re here. You take up space. You matter.

24. You're here. You take up space. You matter.- classroom quotes

Your voice matters.

25. Your voice matters.- classroom quotes

We may all be different fish, but at this school we swim together.

44. We may all be different fish, but at this school we swim together.

You belong here.

46. You belong here.

Classroom Quotes for Daily Motivation

Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.

4. Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.

Hustle beats talent when talent doesn’t hustle.

69. Hustle beats talent when talent doesn’t hustle.

If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough.

10. If your dreams don't scare you, they aren't big enough.

Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.

22. Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.

It’s a good day for a good day.

40. It's a good day for a good day.

You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.

41. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.- classroom quotes

Look closely at the present you are constructing. It should look like the future you are dreaming.

48. Look closely at the present you are constructing. It should look like the future you are dreaming.

Wake up and be awesome.

51. Wake up and be awesome.

49. Excellence is doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.- classroom quotes

Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.

62. Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.

If you’re not positive energy, you’re negative energy.

63. If you’re not positive energy, you’re negative energy.

Set your goals high, and don’t stop till you get there.

65. Set your goals high, and don’t stop till you get there.

Worry is a misuse of imagination.

67. Worry is a misuse of imagination.

You carry the passport to your own happiness.

73. You carry the passport to your own happiness.

It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.

75. It's kind of fun to do the impossible.

No one is perfect—that’s why pencils have erasers.

No one is perfect—that’s why pencils have erasers.- classroom quotes

The secret of getting ahead is getting started.

The secret of getting ahead is getting started.

Only surround yourself with people who will lift you higher.

Only surround yourself with people who will lift you higher.- classroom quotes

Everything comes to he who hustles while he waits.

Everything comes to he who hustles while he waits.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.

Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.

Ideas are great arrows, but there has to be a bow.

Ideas are great arrows, but there has to be a bow.

History: a collection of epitaphs.

History: a collection of epitaphs.

I never dreamt of success. I worked for it.

I never dreamt of success. I worked for it.

Passion is the genesis of genius.

Passion is the genesis of genius.

5 Ways To Use Quotes in the Classroom

Try these ideas for using inspirational quotes of all kinds with your students.

Daily Quotes

Share a quote during your morning meeting and discuss it with your students. It can set the tone for the entire day!

Writing Prompts

Post a quote and ask students to reflect on what it means to them in their personal journals. You can also encourage kids to write stories or essays with these quotes as the central theme.

a computer and ipad screen showing examples of the writing prompts for high school google slides
We Are Teachers

Quote-Inspired Skits

Break students into groups and assign each one a quote (or let them choose). Then, have them write and act out a short skit that shows that quote in action.

Quote Debates

Choose a quote and invite students to think about whether they agree or disagree with the sentiment. Then, hold a (friendly) classroom debate to practice effective arguments.

blank student debate graphic organizers and posters
We Are Teachers

Classroom Decor

Print and hang our free posters, use a quote to center a bulletin board, or ask students to choose a quote to illustrate. Easy, inspirational classroom decorations in a snap!

Get your classroom quote posters!

Five examples of classroom quotes posters
We Are Teachers

We’ve selected five of our very favorite quotes for you to print and hang around your classroom. Hit the button, then fill out the form on this page for your free set!

Explore all of our Back to School Resources here!

Plus, see all of our Printable Classroom Posters here!

.
– Do not “fix” or “update” public figures, offices, or events from memory.
– Do not use the words “former,” “current,” “incumbent,” “ex-,” or similar status indicators unless those exact meanings are explicitly present in

We love using inspirational quotes to motivate and encourage students. The power of words just cannot be overestimated. Sometimes sharing the right words at the right moment can make all the difference. Here are some of our all-time favorite classroom quotes, as spotted on Instagram.

Jump to:

Five examples of classroom quotes posters
We Are Teachers

FREE PRINTABLES

Classroom Quote Posters

We’ve collected some of our favorite classroom quote posters for you to print and hang. Just fill out the form on this page for your free set!

Favorite Classroom Quotes From Real Teachers

We asked teachers to share the quotes they love using in the classroom. These are their top picks!

Grown-ups never understand anything by themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them.

"My favorite is by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. I teach pre-K, and it's amazing how littles see the world with such a unique lens. And I love how much I can learn from them each day. They make me smile, laugh, and reframe my thinking in whimsical and imaginative ways!" —Katie H.

“My favorite is by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. I teach pre-K, and it’s amazing how littles see the world with such a unique lens. And I love how much I can learn from them each day. They make me smile, laugh, and reframe my thinking in whimsical and imaginative ways!” —Katie H.

We have grit and we won’t quit!

“Our elementary P.E. teacher taught the kids to say this. I have them chant it often as a reminder to persevere through struggles. It’s catchy, it rhymes, and it imparts an excellent life lesson with wide application. For example, before beginning our hands-on STEM unit, we talk about how scientists don’t expect things to work perfectly on the first try, but they are problem-solvers who try again. It may take many tries but you shouldn’t give up!” —Amy B.

I’m not crazy. I’m just creative!

“My favorite quote actually came from one of my 4th graders last year! I loved it so much when I heard her say it that she wrote it down for me and I hung it on my wall. I use it to encourage outside-of-the-box thinking and being your own authentic self, always!” —Eliana B.

Classroom Quotes for Elementary School

Be the leader in a school of fish.

Classroom quotes: Be the leader in a school of fish.

Be a pineapple. Stand tall, wear a crown, and be sweet on the inside.

2. Be a pineapple. Stand tall, wear a crown, and be sweet on the inside.- classroom quotes

From small beginnings come great things.

12. From small beginnings come great things.

You are loved.

19. You are loved.

Broken crayons still color.

20. Broken crayons still color.- classroom quotes

Make today so awesome yesterday is jealous.

13. Make today so awesome yesterday is jealous.- classroom quotes

Say what you mean but don’t say it mean.

45. Say what you mean but don't say it mean.- classroom quotes

Be awesome, be amazing, be you.

15. Be awesome, be amazing, be you.

In our class we don’t do easy. We make easy happen through hard work and learning.

23. In our class we don't do easy. We make easy happen through hard work and learning.

Classroom Quotes for Middle Schoolers

You’re going to rattle the stars, you are.

38. You're going to rattle the stars, you are.- classroom quotes

Don’t look at your feet to see if you are doing it right. Just dance.

64. Don't look at your feet to see if you are doing it right. Just dance.

Live out of your imagination, not your history.

66. Live out of your imagination, not your history.- classroom quotes

Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.

Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.

If you smile when no one else is around, you really mean it.

If you smile when no one else is around, you really mean it.- classroom quotes

Never bend your head. Hold it high. Look the world in the eye.

29. Never bend your head. Hold it high. Look the world in the eye.

Misfits we may be, but we will rewrite history.

32. Misfits we may be, but we will rewrite history.

Everything you’ve ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear.

Everything you've ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear.

It’s easier to floss with barbed wire than admit you like someone in middle school.

It's easier to floss with barbed wire than admit you like someone in middle school.- classroom quotes

To have good friends, you need to be one.

To have good friends, you need to be one.

Classroom Quotes About Kindness

Kind is the new cool.

Kind is the new cool.

If the words you spoke appeared on your skin, would you still be beautiful?

5. If the words you spoke appeared on your skin, would you still be beautiful?

Look with kindness and you will find wonder.

14. Look with kindness and you will find wonder.- classroom quotes

In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

18. In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

Throw kindness around like confetti.

26. Throw kindness around like confetti.

Be the reason someone smiles today.

35. Be the reason someone smiles today.

You will never regret being kind.

47. You will never regret being kind.

Let’s root for each other and watch each other grow.

30. Let's root for each other and watch each other grow.- classroom quotes

Growth Mindset Classroom Quotes

I may not be there yet, but I am closer than I was yesterday.

6. I may not be there yet but I am closer than I was yesterday.

Try again. Fail again. Fail better.

28. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.- classroom quotes

If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.

39. If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you.

Mistakes help me learn better.

43. Mistakes help me learn better.

Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.

71. Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.-classroom quotes

Don’t worry about failure … you only have to be right once.

72. Don’t worry about failure ... you only have to be right once.

A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.

A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.- classroom quotes

There’s a way to do it better. Find it.

There’s a way to do it better. Find it.

A year from now, you will wish you had started today.

68. A year from now, you will wish you had started today.

All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.

36. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.

If there is no struggle, there is no progress.

74. If there is no struggle, there is no progress.- classroom quotes

Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.

54. Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.

The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same.

55. The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same.

Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.

56. Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.- classroom quotes

When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.

59. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.

He who questions much shall learn much and retain much.

He who questions much shall learn much and retain much.- classroom quotes

Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.

34. Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right.- classroom quotes

Everything you don’t know is something you can learn.

42. Everything you don't know is something you can learn.

It doesn’t matter what others are doing, it matters what you are doing.

50. It doesn't matter what others are doing, it matters what you are doing.

When you change your thoughts, remember to also change your world.

53. When you change your thoughts, remember to also change your world.- classroom quotes

Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward.

57. Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward.

Either you run the day or the day runs you.

58. Either you run the day or the day runs you.

Classroom Quotes About Learning

Reading is like breathing in, writing is like breathing out.

8. Reading is like breathing in, writing is like breathing out.

Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.

16. Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.

The earth without art is just eh.

27. The earth without art is just eh.

Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.

60. Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.

Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new.

61. Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new.- classroom quotes

The classroom should be an entrance into the world, not an escape from it.

The classroom should be an entrance into the world, not an escape from it.

If we value all readers, we must value all reading.

If we value all readers, we must value all reading.- classroom quotes

The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.

The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.

Excellence is an art won by training and habituation.

Excellence is an art won by training and habituation.- classroom quotes

Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire.

Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire.- classroom quotes

Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.

Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.

No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.

No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.

The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.

The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.

The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.

33. The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.

The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one.

The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one.- classroom quotes

The future of the world is in my classroom today.

The future of the world is in my classroom today.

I am not a teacher but an awakener.

I am not a teacher but an awakener.

Learn as if you will live forever, live like you will die tomorrow.

52. Learn as if you will live forever, live like you will die tomorrow.

Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.

Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.- classroom quotes

Quotes for Inclusive Classrooms

Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.

17. Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.- classroom quotes

Even if hate has a bullhorn, love is louder.

7. Even if hate has a bullhorn, love is louder.

None of us is as smart as all of us.

11. None of us is as smart as all of us.

You’re here. You take up space. You matter.

24. You're here. You take up space. You matter.- classroom quotes

Your voice matters.

25. Your voice matters.- classroom quotes

We may all be different fish, but at this school we swim together.

44. We may all be different fish, but at this school we swim together.

You belong here.

46. You belong here.

Classroom Quotes for Daily Motivation

Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.

4. Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.

Hustle beats talent when talent doesn’t hustle.

69. Hustle beats talent when talent doesn’t hustle.

If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough.

10. If your dreams don't scare you, they aren't big enough.

Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.

22. Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.

It’s a good day for a good day.

40. It's a good day for a good day.

You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.

41. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.- classroom quotes

Look closely at the present you are constructing. It should look like the future you are dreaming.

48. Look closely at the present you are constructing. It should look like the future you are dreaming.

Wake up and be awesome.

51. Wake up and be awesome.

49. Excellence is doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.- classroom quotes

Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.

62. Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.

If you’re not positive energy, you’re negative energy.

63. If you’re not positive energy, you’re negative energy.

Set your goals high, and don’t stop till you get there.

65. Set your goals high, and don’t stop till you get there.

Worry is a misuse of imagination.

67. Worry is a misuse of imagination.

You carry the passport to your own happiness.

73. You carry the passport to your own happiness.

It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.

75. It's kind of fun to do the impossible.

No one is perfect—that’s why pencils have erasers.

No one is perfect—that’s why pencils have erasers.- classroom quotes

The secret of getting ahead is getting started.

The secret of getting ahead is getting started.

Only surround yourself with people who will lift you higher.

Only surround yourself with people who will lift you higher.- classroom quotes

Everything comes to he who hustles while he waits.

Everything comes to he who hustles while he waits.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.

Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.

Ideas are great arrows, but there has to be a bow.

Ideas are great arrows, but there has to be a bow.

History: a collection of epitaphs.

History: a collection of epitaphs.

I never dreamt of success. I worked for it.

I never dreamt of success. I worked for it.

Passion is the genesis of genius.

Passion is the genesis of genius.

5 Ways To Use Quotes in the Classroom

Try these ideas for using inspirational quotes of all kinds with your students.

Daily Quotes

Share a quote during your morning meeting and discuss it with your students. It can set the tone for the entire day!

Writing Prompts

Post a quote and ask students to reflect on what it means to them in their personal journals. You can also encourage kids to write stories or essays with these quotes as the central theme.

a computer and ipad screen showing examples of the writing prompts for high school google slides
We Are Teachers

Quote-Inspired Skits

Break students into groups and assign each one a quote (or let them choose). Then, have them write and act out a short skit that shows that quote in action.

Quote Debates

Choose a quote and invite students to think about whether they agree or disagree with the sentiment. Then, hold a (friendly) classroom debate to practice effective arguments.

blank student debate graphic organizers and posters
We Are Teachers

Classroom Decor

Print and hang our free posters, use a quote to center a bulletin board, or ask students to choose a quote to illustrate. Easy, inspirational classroom decorations in a snap!

Get your classroom quote posters!

Five examples of classroom quotes posters
We Are Teachers

We’ve selected five of our very favorite quotes for you to print and hang around your classroom. Hit the button, then fill out the form on this page for your free set!

Explore all of our Back to School Resources here!

Plus, see all of our Printable Classroom Posters here!

.
– If a person’s exact status is not specified in

We love using inspirational quotes to motivate and encourage students. The power of words just cannot be overestimated. Sometimes sharing the right words at the right moment can make all the difference. Here are some of our all-time favorite classroom quotes, as spotted on Instagram.

Jump to:

Five examples of classroom quotes posters
We Are Teachers

FREE PRINTABLES

Classroom Quote Posters

We’ve collected some of our favorite classroom quote posters for you to print and hang. Just fill out the form on this page for your free set!

Favorite Classroom Quotes From Real Teachers

We asked teachers to share the quotes they love using in the classroom. These are their top picks!

Grown-ups never understand anything by themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them.

"My favorite is by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. I teach pre-K, and it's amazing how littles see the world with such a unique lens. And I love how much I can learn from them each day. They make me smile, laugh, and reframe my thinking in whimsical and imaginative ways!" —Katie H.

“My favorite is by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. I teach pre-K, and it’s amazing how littles see the world with such a unique lens. And I love how much I can learn from them each day. They make me smile, laugh, and reframe my thinking in whimsical and imaginative ways!” —Katie H.

We have grit and we won’t quit!

“Our elementary P.E. teacher taught the kids to say this. I have them chant it often as a reminder to persevere through struggles. It’s catchy, it rhymes, and it imparts an excellent life lesson with wide application. For example, before beginning our hands-on STEM unit, we talk about how scientists don’t expect things to work perfectly on the first try, but they are problem-solvers who try again. It may take many tries but you shouldn’t give up!” —Amy B.

I’m not crazy. I’m just creative!

“My favorite quote actually came from one of my 4th graders last year! I loved it so much when I heard her say it that she wrote it down for me and I hung it on my wall. I use it to encourage outside-of-the-box thinking and being your own authentic self, always!” —Eliana B.

Classroom Quotes for Elementary School

Be the leader in a school of fish.

Classroom quotes: Be the leader in a school of fish.

Be a pineapple. Stand tall, wear a crown, and be sweet on the inside.

2. Be a pineapple. Stand tall, wear a crown, and be sweet on the inside.- classroom quotes

From small beginnings come great things.

12. From small beginnings come great things.

You are loved.

19. You are loved.

Broken crayons still color.

20. Broken crayons still color.- classroom quotes

Make today so awesome yesterday is jealous.

13. Make today so awesome yesterday is jealous.- classroom quotes

Say what you mean but don’t say it mean.

45. Say what you mean but don't say it mean.- classroom quotes

Be awesome, be amazing, be you.

15. Be awesome, be amazing, be you.

In our class we don’t do easy. We make easy happen through hard work and learning.

23. In our class we don't do easy. We make easy happen through hard work and learning.

Classroom Quotes for Middle Schoolers

You’re going to rattle the stars, you are.

38. You're going to rattle the stars, you are.- classroom quotes

Don’t look at your feet to see if you are doing it right. Just dance.

64. Don't look at your feet to see if you are doing it right. Just dance.

Live out of your imagination, not your history.

66. Live out of your imagination, not your history.- classroom quotes

Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.

Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.

If you smile when no one else is around, you really mean it.

If you smile when no one else is around, you really mean it.- classroom quotes

Never bend your head. Hold it high. Look the world in the eye.

29. Never bend your head. Hold it high. Look the world in the eye.

Misfits we may be, but we will rewrite history.

32. Misfits we may be, but we will rewrite history.

Everything you’ve ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear.

Everything you've ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear.

It’s easier to floss with barbed wire than admit you like someone in middle school.

It's easier to floss with barbed wire than admit you like someone in middle school.- classroom quotes

To have good friends, you need to be one.

To have good friends, you need to be one.

Classroom Quotes About Kindness

Kind is the new cool.

Kind is the new cool.

If the words you spoke appeared on your skin, would you still be beautiful?

5. If the words you spoke appeared on your skin, would you still be beautiful?

Look with kindness and you will find wonder.

14. Look with kindness and you will find wonder.- classroom quotes

In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

18. In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

Throw kindness around like confetti.

26. Throw kindness around like confetti.

Be the reason someone smiles today.

35. Be the reason someone smiles today.

You will never regret being kind.

47. You will never regret being kind.

Let’s root for each other and watch each other grow.

30. Let's root for each other and watch each other grow.- classroom quotes

Growth Mindset Classroom Quotes

I may not be there yet, but I am closer than I was yesterday.

6. I may not be there yet but I am closer than I was yesterday.

Try again. Fail again. Fail better.

28. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.- classroom quotes

If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.

39. If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you.

Mistakes help me learn better.

43. Mistakes help me learn better.

Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.

71. Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.-classroom quotes

Don’t worry about failure … you only have to be right once.

72. Don’t worry about failure ... you only have to be right once.

A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.

A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.- classroom quotes

There’s a way to do it better. Find it.

There’s a way to do it better. Find it.

A year from now, you will wish you had started today.

68. A year from now, you will wish you had started today.

All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.

36. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.

If there is no struggle, there is no progress.

74. If there is no struggle, there is no progress.- classroom quotes

Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.

54. Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.

The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same.

55. The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same.

Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.

56. Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.- classroom quotes

When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.

59. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.

He who questions much shall learn much and retain much.

He who questions much shall learn much and retain much.- classroom quotes

Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.

34. Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right.- classroom quotes

Everything you don’t know is something you can learn.

42. Everything you don't know is something you can learn.

It doesn’t matter what others are doing, it matters what you are doing.

50. It doesn't matter what others are doing, it matters what you are doing.

When you change your thoughts, remember to also change your world.

53. When you change your thoughts, remember to also change your world.- classroom quotes

Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward.

57. Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward.

Either you run the day or the day runs you.

58. Either you run the day or the day runs you.

Classroom Quotes About Learning

Reading is like breathing in, writing is like breathing out.

8. Reading is like breathing in, writing is like breathing out.

Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.

16. Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.

The earth without art is just eh.

27. The earth without art is just eh.

Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.

60. Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.

Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new.

61. Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new.- classroom quotes

The classroom should be an entrance into the world, not an escape from it.

The classroom should be an entrance into the world, not an escape from it.

If we value all readers, we must value all reading.

If we value all readers, we must value all reading.- classroom quotes

The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.

The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.

Excellence is an art won by training and habituation.

Excellence is an art won by training and habituation.- classroom quotes

Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire.

Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire.- classroom quotes

Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.

Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.

No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.

No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.

The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.

The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.

The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.

33. The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.

The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one.

The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one.- classroom quotes

The future of the world is in my classroom today.

The future of the world is in my classroom today.

I am not a teacher but an awakener.

I am not a teacher but an awakener.

Learn as if you will live forever, live like you will die tomorrow.

52. Learn as if you will live forever, live like you will die tomorrow.

Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.

Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.- classroom quotes

Quotes for Inclusive Classrooms

Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.

17. Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.- classroom quotes

Even if hate has a bullhorn, love is louder.

7. Even if hate has a bullhorn, love is louder.

None of us is as smart as all of us.

11. None of us is as smart as all of us.

You’re here. You take up space. You matter.

24. You're here. You take up space. You matter.- classroom quotes

Your voice matters.

25. Your voice matters.- classroom quotes

We may all be different fish, but at this school we swim together.

44. We may all be different fish, but at this school we swim together.

You belong here.

46. You belong here.

Classroom Quotes for Daily Motivation

Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.

4. Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.

Hustle beats talent when talent doesn’t hustle.

69. Hustle beats talent when talent doesn’t hustle.

If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough.

10. If your dreams don't scare you, they aren't big enough.

Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.

22. Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.

It’s a good day for a good day.

40. It's a good day for a good day.

You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.

41. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.- classroom quotes

Look closely at the present you are constructing. It should look like the future you are dreaming.

48. Look closely at the present you are constructing. It should look like the future you are dreaming.

Wake up and be awesome.

51. Wake up and be awesome.

49. Excellence is doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.- classroom quotes

Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.

62. Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.

If you’re not positive energy, you’re negative energy.

63. If you’re not positive energy, you’re negative energy.

Set your goals high, and don’t stop till you get there.

65. Set your goals high, and don’t stop till you get there.

Worry is a misuse of imagination.

67. Worry is a misuse of imagination.

You carry the passport to your own happiness.

73. You carry the passport to your own happiness.

It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.

75. It's kind of fun to do the impossible.

No one is perfect—that’s why pencils have erasers.

No one is perfect—that’s why pencils have erasers.- classroom quotes

The secret of getting ahead is getting started.

The secret of getting ahead is getting started.

Only surround yourself with people who will lift you higher.

Only surround yourself with people who will lift you higher.- classroom quotes

Everything comes to he who hustles while he waits.

Everything comes to he who hustles while he waits.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.

Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.

Ideas are great arrows, but there has to be a bow.

Ideas are great arrows, but there has to be a bow.

History: a collection of epitaphs.

History: a collection of epitaphs.

I never dreamt of success. I worked for it.

I never dreamt of success. I worked for it.

Passion is the genesis of genius.

Passion is the genesis of genius.

5 Ways To Use Quotes in the Classroom

Try these ideas for using inspirational quotes of all kinds with your students.

Daily Quotes

Share a quote during your morning meeting and discuss it with your students. It can set the tone for the entire day!

Writing Prompts

Post a quote and ask students to reflect on what it means to them in their personal journals. You can also encourage kids to write stories or essays with these quotes as the central theme.

a computer and ipad screen showing examples of the writing prompts for high school google slides
We Are Teachers

Quote-Inspired Skits

Break students into groups and assign each one a quote (or let them choose). Then, have them write and act out a short skit that shows that quote in action.

Quote Debates

Choose a quote and invite students to think about whether they agree or disagree with the sentiment. Then, hold a (friendly) classroom debate to practice effective arguments.

blank student debate graphic organizers and posters
We Are Teachers

Classroom Decor

Print and hang our free posters, use a quote to center a bulletin board, or ask students to choose a quote to illustrate. Easy, inspirational classroom decorations in a snap!

See also  30 Halloween Science Experiments for Classrooms

Get your classroom quote posters!

Five examples of classroom quotes posters
We Are Teachers

We’ve selected five of our very favorite quotes for you to print and hang around your classroom. Hit the button, then fill out the form on this page for your free set!

Explore all of our Back to School Resources here!

Plus, see all of our Printable Classroom Posters here!

, refer to them neutrally by name only.
– If the material describes past events, use neutral timing language only when needed for clarity, such as “at that time,” “then,” or “during that period.”
– Do not add external sources, statistics, research, comparisons, background, or up-to-date data.
– Do not add historical context, global context, or explanatory context unless it already appears in

We love using inspirational quotes to motivate and encourage students. The power of words just cannot be overestimated. Sometimes sharing the right words at the right moment can make all the difference. Here are some of our all-time favorite classroom quotes, as spotted on Instagram.

Jump to:

Five examples of classroom quotes posters
We Are Teachers

FREE PRINTABLES

Classroom Quote Posters

We’ve collected some of our favorite classroom quote posters for you to print and hang. Just fill out the form on this page for your free set!

Favorite Classroom Quotes From Real Teachers

We asked teachers to share the quotes they love using in the classroom. These are their top picks!

Grown-ups never understand anything by themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them.

"My favorite is by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. I teach pre-K, and it's amazing how littles see the world with such a unique lens. And I love how much I can learn from them each day. They make me smile, laugh, and reframe my thinking in whimsical and imaginative ways!" —Katie H.

“My favorite is by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. I teach pre-K, and it’s amazing how littles see the world with such a unique lens. And I love how much I can learn from them each day. They make me smile, laugh, and reframe my thinking in whimsical and imaginative ways!” —Katie H.

We have grit and we won’t quit!

“Our elementary P.E. teacher taught the kids to say this. I have them chant it often as a reminder to persevere through struggles. It’s catchy, it rhymes, and it imparts an excellent life lesson with wide application. For example, before beginning our hands-on STEM unit, we talk about how scientists don’t expect things to work perfectly on the first try, but they are problem-solvers who try again. It may take many tries but you shouldn’t give up!” —Amy B.

I’m not crazy. I’m just creative!

“My favorite quote actually came from one of my 4th graders last year! I loved it so much when I heard her say it that she wrote it down for me and I hung it on my wall. I use it to encourage outside-of-the-box thinking and being your own authentic self, always!” —Eliana B.

Classroom Quotes for Elementary School

Be the leader in a school of fish.

Classroom quotes: Be the leader in a school of fish.

Be a pineapple. Stand tall, wear a crown, and be sweet on the inside.

2. Be a pineapple. Stand tall, wear a crown, and be sweet on the inside.- classroom quotes

From small beginnings come great things.

12. From small beginnings come great things.

You are loved.

19. You are loved.

Broken crayons still color.

20. Broken crayons still color.- classroom quotes

Make today so awesome yesterday is jealous.

13. Make today so awesome yesterday is jealous.- classroom quotes

Say what you mean but don’t say it mean.

45. Say what you mean but don't say it mean.- classroom quotes

Be awesome, be amazing, be you.

15. Be awesome, be amazing, be you.

In our class we don’t do easy. We make easy happen through hard work and learning.

23. In our class we don't do easy. We make easy happen through hard work and learning.

Classroom Quotes for Middle Schoolers

You’re going to rattle the stars, you are.

38. You're going to rattle the stars, you are.- classroom quotes

Don’t look at your feet to see if you are doing it right. Just dance.

64. Don't look at your feet to see if you are doing it right. Just dance.

Live out of your imagination, not your history.

66. Live out of your imagination, not your history.- classroom quotes

Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.

Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.

If you smile when no one else is around, you really mean it.

If you smile when no one else is around, you really mean it.- classroom quotes

Never bend your head. Hold it high. Look the world in the eye.

29. Never bend your head. Hold it high. Look the world in the eye.

Misfits we may be, but we will rewrite history.

32. Misfits we may be, but we will rewrite history.

Everything you’ve ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear.

Everything you've ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear.

It’s easier to floss with barbed wire than admit you like someone in middle school.

It's easier to floss with barbed wire than admit you like someone in middle school.- classroom quotes

To have good friends, you need to be one.

To have good friends, you need to be one.

Classroom Quotes About Kindness

Kind is the new cool.

Kind is the new cool.

If the words you spoke appeared on your skin, would you still be beautiful?

5. If the words you spoke appeared on your skin, would you still be beautiful?

Look with kindness and you will find wonder.

14. Look with kindness and you will find wonder.- classroom quotes

In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

18. In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

Throw kindness around like confetti.

26. Throw kindness around like confetti.

Be the reason someone smiles today.

35. Be the reason someone smiles today.

You will never regret being kind.

47. You will never regret being kind.

Let’s root for each other and watch each other grow.

30. Let's root for each other and watch each other grow.- classroom quotes

Growth Mindset Classroom Quotes

I may not be there yet, but I am closer than I was yesterday.

6. I may not be there yet but I am closer than I was yesterday.

Try again. Fail again. Fail better.

28. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.- classroom quotes

If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.

39. If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you.

Mistakes help me learn better.

43. Mistakes help me learn better.

Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.

71. Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.-classroom quotes

Don’t worry about failure … you only have to be right once.

72. Don’t worry about failure ... you only have to be right once.

A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.

A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.- classroom quotes

There’s a way to do it better. Find it.

There’s a way to do it better. Find it.

A year from now, you will wish you had started today.

68. A year from now, you will wish you had started today.

All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.

36. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.

If there is no struggle, there is no progress.

74. If there is no struggle, there is no progress.- classroom quotes

Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.

54. Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.

The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same.

55. The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same.

Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.

56. Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.- classroom quotes

When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.

59. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.

He who questions much shall learn much and retain much.

He who questions much shall learn much and retain much.- classroom quotes

Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.

34. Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right.- classroom quotes

Everything you don’t know is something you can learn.

42. Everything you don't know is something you can learn.

It doesn’t matter what others are doing, it matters what you are doing.

50. It doesn't matter what others are doing, it matters what you are doing.

When you change your thoughts, remember to also change your world.

53. When you change your thoughts, remember to also change your world.- classroom quotes

Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward.

57. Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward.

Either you run the day or the day runs you.

58. Either you run the day or the day runs you.

Classroom Quotes About Learning

Reading is like breathing in, writing is like breathing out.

8. Reading is like breathing in, writing is like breathing out.

Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.

16. Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.

The earth without art is just eh.

27. The earth without art is just eh.

Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.

60. Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.

Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new.

61. Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new.- classroom quotes

The classroom should be an entrance into the world, not an escape from it.

The classroom should be an entrance into the world, not an escape from it.

If we value all readers, we must value all reading.

If we value all readers, we must value all reading.- classroom quotes

The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.

The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.

Excellence is an art won by training and habituation.

Excellence is an art won by training and habituation.- classroom quotes

Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire.

Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire.- classroom quotes

Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.

Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.

No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.

No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.

The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.

The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.

The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.

33. The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.

The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one.

The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one.- classroom quotes

The future of the world is in my classroom today.

The future of the world is in my classroom today.

I am not a teacher but an awakener.

I am not a teacher but an awakener.

Learn as if you will live forever, live like you will die tomorrow.

52. Learn as if you will live forever, live like you will die tomorrow.

Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.

Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.- classroom quotes

Quotes for Inclusive Classrooms

Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.

17. Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.- classroom quotes

Even if hate has a bullhorn, love is louder.

7. Even if hate has a bullhorn, love is louder.

None of us is as smart as all of us.

11. None of us is as smart as all of us.

You’re here. You take up space. You matter.

24. You're here. You take up space. You matter.- classroom quotes

Your voice matters.

25. Your voice matters.- classroom quotes

We may all be different fish, but at this school we swim together.

44. We may all be different fish, but at this school we swim together.

You belong here.

46. You belong here.

Classroom Quotes for Daily Motivation

Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.

4. Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.

Hustle beats talent when talent doesn’t hustle.

69. Hustle beats talent when talent doesn’t hustle.

If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough.

10. If your dreams don't scare you, they aren't big enough.

Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.

22. Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.

It’s a good day for a good day.

40. It's a good day for a good day.

You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.

41. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.- classroom quotes

Look closely at the present you are constructing. It should look like the future you are dreaming.

48. Look closely at the present you are constructing. It should look like the future you are dreaming.

Wake up and be awesome.

51. Wake up and be awesome.

49. Excellence is doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.- classroom quotes

Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.

62. Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.

If you’re not positive energy, you’re negative energy.

63. If you’re not positive energy, you’re negative energy.

Set your goals high, and don’t stop till you get there.

65. Set your goals high, and don’t stop till you get there.

Worry is a misuse of imagination.

67. Worry is a misuse of imagination.

You carry the passport to your own happiness.

73. You carry the passport to your own happiness.

It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.

75. It's kind of fun to do the impossible.

No one is perfect—that’s why pencils have erasers.

No one is perfect—that’s why pencils have erasers.- classroom quotes

The secret of getting ahead is getting started.

The secret of getting ahead is getting started.

Only surround yourself with people who will lift you higher.

Only surround yourself with people who will lift you higher.- classroom quotes

Everything comes to he who hustles while he waits.

Everything comes to he who hustles while he waits.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.

Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.

Ideas are great arrows, but there has to be a bow.

Ideas are great arrows, but there has to be a bow.

History: a collection of epitaphs.

History: a collection of epitaphs.

I never dreamt of success. I worked for it.

I never dreamt of success. I worked for it.

Passion is the genesis of genius.

Passion is the genesis of genius.

5 Ways To Use Quotes in the Classroom

Try these ideas for using inspirational quotes of all kinds with your students.

Daily Quotes

Share a quote during your morning meeting and discuss it with your students. It can set the tone for the entire day!

Writing Prompts

Post a quote and ask students to reflect on what it means to them in their personal journals. You can also encourage kids to write stories or essays with these quotes as the central theme.

a computer and ipad screen showing examples of the writing prompts for high school google slides
We Are Teachers

Quote-Inspired Skits

Break students into groups and assign each one a quote (or let them choose). Then, have them write and act out a short skit that shows that quote in action.

Quote Debates

Choose a quote and invite students to think about whether they agree or disagree with the sentiment. Then, hold a (friendly) classroom debate to practice effective arguments.

blank student debate graphic organizers and posters
We Are Teachers

Classroom Decor

Print and hang our free posters, use a quote to center a bulletin board, or ask students to choose a quote to illustrate. Easy, inspirational classroom decorations in a snap!

Get your classroom quote posters!

Five examples of classroom quotes posters
We Are Teachers

We’ve selected five of our very favorite quotes for you to print and hang around your classroom. Hit the button, then fill out the form on this page for your free set!

Explore all of our Back to School Resources here!

Plus, see all of our Printable Classroom Posters here!

.

REWRITE TASK:
– Completely rewrite the source material in original wording.
– Preserve the key meaning, factual content, and main semantic structure.
– Make the text smoother, clearer, more logical, and easier to read.
– Remove repetition, clichés, bureaucratic phrasing, filler, and awkward wording.
– Improve transitions between paragraphs.
– Make the language more precise and expressive, but never speculative.
– Preserve the tone level of a professional news article.

STRUCTURE:
– Preserve the overall framework and semantic blocks of the source material.
– Do not add new sections unless necessary for coherence.
– Do not turn prose into a list if the original text was not a list.
– Where possible, organize the narrative as thesis → argument → conclusion without changing the substance.
– Keep attribution, uncertainty, and allegations at the same level as in the source. Do not make claims sound stronger or more certain than

We love using inspirational quotes to motivate and encourage students. The power of words just cannot be overestimated. Sometimes sharing the right words at the right moment can make all the difference. Here are some of our all-time favorite classroom quotes, as spotted on Instagram.

Jump to:

Five examples of classroom quotes posters
We Are Teachers

FREE PRINTABLES

Classroom Quote Posters

We’ve collected some of our favorite classroom quote posters for you to print and hang. Just fill out the form on this page for your free set!

Favorite Classroom Quotes From Real Teachers

We asked teachers to share the quotes they love using in the classroom. These are their top picks!

Grown-ups never understand anything by themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them.

"My favorite is by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. I teach pre-K, and it's amazing how littles see the world with such a unique lens. And I love how much I can learn from them each day. They make me smile, laugh, and reframe my thinking in whimsical and imaginative ways!" —Katie H.

“My favorite is by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. I teach pre-K, and it’s amazing how littles see the world with such a unique lens. And I love how much I can learn from them each day. They make me smile, laugh, and reframe my thinking in whimsical and imaginative ways!” —Katie H.

We have grit and we won’t quit!

“Our elementary P.E. teacher taught the kids to say this. I have them chant it often as a reminder to persevere through struggles. It’s catchy, it rhymes, and it imparts an excellent life lesson with wide application. For example, before beginning our hands-on STEM unit, we talk about how scientists don’t expect things to work perfectly on the first try, but they are problem-solvers who try again. It may take many tries but you shouldn’t give up!” —Amy B.

I’m not crazy. I’m just creative!

“My favorite quote actually came from one of my 4th graders last year! I loved it so much when I heard her say it that she wrote it down for me and I hung it on my wall. I use it to encourage outside-of-the-box thinking and being your own authentic self, always!” —Eliana B.

Classroom Quotes for Elementary School

Be the leader in a school of fish.

Classroom quotes: Be the leader in a school of fish.

Be a pineapple. Stand tall, wear a crown, and be sweet on the inside.

2. Be a pineapple. Stand tall, wear a crown, and be sweet on the inside.- classroom quotes

From small beginnings come great things.

12. From small beginnings come great things.

You are loved.

19. You are loved.

Broken crayons still color.

20. Broken crayons still color.- classroom quotes

Make today so awesome yesterday is jealous.

13. Make today so awesome yesterday is jealous.- classroom quotes

Say what you mean but don’t say it mean.

45. Say what you mean but don't say it mean.- classroom quotes

Be awesome, be amazing, be you.

15. Be awesome, be amazing, be you.

In our class we don’t do easy. We make easy happen through hard work and learning.

23. In our class we don't do easy. We make easy happen through hard work and learning.

Classroom Quotes for Middle Schoolers

You’re going to rattle the stars, you are.

38. You're going to rattle the stars, you are.- classroom quotes

Don’t look at your feet to see if you are doing it right. Just dance.

64. Don't look at your feet to see if you are doing it right. Just dance.

Live out of your imagination, not your history.

66. Live out of your imagination, not your history.- classroom quotes

Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.

Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.

If you smile when no one else is around, you really mean it.

If you smile when no one else is around, you really mean it.- classroom quotes

Never bend your head. Hold it high. Look the world in the eye.

29. Never bend your head. Hold it high. Look the world in the eye.

Misfits we may be, but we will rewrite history.

32. Misfits we may be, but we will rewrite history.

Everything you’ve ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear.

Everything you've ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear.

It’s easier to floss with barbed wire than admit you like someone in middle school.

It's easier to floss with barbed wire than admit you like someone in middle school.- classroom quotes

To have good friends, you need to be one.

To have good friends, you need to be one.

Classroom Quotes About Kindness

Kind is the new cool.

Kind is the new cool.

If the words you spoke appeared on your skin, would you still be beautiful?

5. If the words you spoke appeared on your skin, would you still be beautiful?

Look with kindness and you will find wonder.

14. Look with kindness and you will find wonder.- classroom quotes

In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

18. In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

Throw kindness around like confetti.

26. Throw kindness around like confetti.

Be the reason someone smiles today.

35. Be the reason someone smiles today.

You will never regret being kind.

47. You will never regret being kind.

Let’s root for each other and watch each other grow.

30. Let's root for each other and watch each other grow.- classroom quotes

Growth Mindset Classroom Quotes

I may not be there yet, but I am closer than I was yesterday.

6. I may not be there yet but I am closer than I was yesterday.

Try again. Fail again. Fail better.

28. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.- classroom quotes

If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.

39. If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you.

Mistakes help me learn better.

43. Mistakes help me learn better.

Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.

71. Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.-classroom quotes

Don’t worry about failure … you only have to be right once.

72. Don’t worry about failure ... you only have to be right once.

A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.

A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.- classroom quotes

There’s a way to do it better. Find it.

There’s a way to do it better. Find it.

A year from now, you will wish you had started today.

68. A year from now, you will wish you had started today.

All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.

36. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.

If there is no struggle, there is no progress.

74. If there is no struggle, there is no progress.- classroom quotes

Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.

54. Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.

The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same.

55. The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same.

Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.

56. Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.- classroom quotes

When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.

59. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.

He who questions much shall learn much and retain much.

He who questions much shall learn much and retain much.- classroom quotes

Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.

34. Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right.- classroom quotes

Everything you don’t know is something you can learn.

42. Everything you don't know is something you can learn.

It doesn’t matter what others are doing, it matters what you are doing.

50. It doesn't matter what others are doing, it matters what you are doing.

When you change your thoughts, remember to also change your world.

53. When you change your thoughts, remember to also change your world.- classroom quotes

Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward.

57. Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward.

Either you run the day or the day runs you.

58. Either you run the day or the day runs you.

Classroom Quotes About Learning

Reading is like breathing in, writing is like breathing out.

8. Reading is like breathing in, writing is like breathing out.

Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.

16. Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.

The earth without art is just eh.

27. The earth without art is just eh.

Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.

60. Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.

Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new.

61. Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new.- classroom quotes

The classroom should be an entrance into the world, not an escape from it.

The classroom should be an entrance into the world, not an escape from it.

If we value all readers, we must value all reading.

If we value all readers, we must value all reading.- classroom quotes

The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.

The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.

Excellence is an art won by training and habituation.

Excellence is an art won by training and habituation.- classroom quotes

Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire.

Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire.- classroom quotes

Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.

Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.

No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.

No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.

The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.

The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.

The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.

33. The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.

The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one.

The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one.- classroom quotes

The future of the world is in my classroom today.

The future of the world is in my classroom today.

I am not a teacher but an awakener.

I am not a teacher but an awakener.

Learn as if you will live forever, live like you will die tomorrow.

52. Learn as if you will live forever, live like you will die tomorrow.

Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.

Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.- classroom quotes

Quotes for Inclusive Classrooms

Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.

17. Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.- classroom quotes

Even if hate has a bullhorn, love is louder.

7. Even if hate has a bullhorn, love is louder.

None of us is as smart as all of us.

11. None of us is as smart as all of us.

You’re here. You take up space. You matter.

24. You're here. You take up space. You matter.- classroom quotes

Your voice matters.

25. Your voice matters.- classroom quotes

We may all be different fish, but at this school we swim together.

44. We may all be different fish, but at this school we swim together.

You belong here.

46. You belong here.

Classroom Quotes for Daily Motivation

Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.

4. Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.

Hustle beats talent when talent doesn’t hustle.

69. Hustle beats talent when talent doesn’t hustle.

If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough.

10. If your dreams don't scare you, they aren't big enough.

Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.

22. Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.

It’s a good day for a good day.

40. It's a good day for a good day.

You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.

41. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.- classroom quotes

Look closely at the present you are constructing. It should look like the future you are dreaming.

48. Look closely at the present you are constructing. It should look like the future you are dreaming.

Wake up and be awesome.

51. Wake up and be awesome.

49. Excellence is doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.- classroom quotes

Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.

62. Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.

If you’re not positive energy, you’re negative energy.

63. If you’re not positive energy, you’re negative energy.

Set your goals high, and don’t stop till you get there.

65. Set your goals high, and don’t stop till you get there.

Worry is a misuse of imagination.

67. Worry is a misuse of imagination.

You carry the passport to your own happiness.

73. You carry the passport to your own happiness.

It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.

75. It's kind of fun to do the impossible.

No one is perfect—that’s why pencils have erasers.

No one is perfect—that’s why pencils have erasers.- classroom quotes

The secret of getting ahead is getting started.

The secret of getting ahead is getting started.

Only surround yourself with people who will lift you higher.

Only surround yourself with people who will lift you higher.- classroom quotes

Everything comes to he who hustles while he waits.

Everything comes to he who hustles while he waits.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.

Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.

Ideas are great arrows, but there has to be a bow.

Ideas are great arrows, but there has to be a bow.

History: a collection of epitaphs.

History: a collection of epitaphs.

I never dreamt of success. I worked for it.

I never dreamt of success. I worked for it.

Passion is the genesis of genius.

Passion is the genesis of genius.

5 Ways To Use Quotes in the Classroom

Try these ideas for using inspirational quotes of all kinds with your students.

Daily Quotes

Share a quote during your morning meeting and discuss it with your students. It can set the tone for the entire day!

Writing Prompts

Post a quote and ask students to reflect on what it means to them in their personal journals. You can also encourage kids to write stories or essays with these quotes as the central theme.

a computer and ipad screen showing examples of the writing prompts for high school google slides
We Are Teachers

Quote-Inspired Skits

Break students into groups and assign each one a quote (or let them choose). Then, have them write and act out a short skit that shows that quote in action.

Quote Debates

Choose a quote and invite students to think about whether they agree or disagree with the sentiment. Then, hold a (friendly) classroom debate to practice effective arguments.

blank student debate graphic organizers and posters
We Are Teachers

Classroom Decor

Print and hang our free posters, use a quote to center a bulletin board, or ask students to choose a quote to illustrate. Easy, inspirational classroom decorations in a snap!

Get your classroom quote posters!

Five examples of classroom quotes posters
We Are Teachers

We’ve selected five of our very favorite quotes for you to print and hang around your classroom. Hit the button, then fill out the form on this page for your free set!

Explore all of our Back to School Resources here!

Plus, see all of our Printable Classroom Posters here!

does.

HTML PRESERVATION:
– Preserve the HTML structure from

We love using inspirational quotes to motivate and encourage students. The power of words just cannot be overestimated. Sometimes sharing the right words at the right moment can make all the difference. Here are some of our all-time favorite classroom quotes, as spotted on Instagram.

Jump to:

Five examples of classroom quotes posters
We Are Teachers

FREE PRINTABLES

Classroom Quote Posters

We’ve collected some of our favorite classroom quote posters for you to print and hang. Just fill out the form on this page for your free set!

Favorite Classroom Quotes From Real Teachers

We asked teachers to share the quotes they love using in the classroom. These are their top picks!

Grown-ups never understand anything by themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them.

"My favorite is by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. I teach pre-K, and it's amazing how littles see the world with such a unique lens. And I love how much I can learn from them each day. They make me smile, laugh, and reframe my thinking in whimsical and imaginative ways!" —Katie H.

“My favorite is by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. I teach pre-K, and it’s amazing how littles see the world with such a unique lens. And I love how much I can learn from them each day. They make me smile, laugh, and reframe my thinking in whimsical and imaginative ways!” —Katie H.

We have grit and we won’t quit!

“Our elementary P.E. teacher taught the kids to say this. I have them chant it often as a reminder to persevere through struggles. It’s catchy, it rhymes, and it imparts an excellent life lesson with wide application. For example, before beginning our hands-on STEM unit, we talk about how scientists don’t expect things to work perfectly on the first try, but they are problem-solvers who try again. It may take many tries but you shouldn’t give up!” —Amy B.

I’m not crazy. I’m just creative!

“My favorite quote actually came from one of my 4th graders last year! I loved it so much when I heard her say it that she wrote it down for me and I hung it on my wall. I use it to encourage outside-of-the-box thinking and being your own authentic self, always!” —Eliana B.

Classroom Quotes for Elementary School

Be the leader in a school of fish.

Classroom quotes: Be the leader in a school of fish.

Be a pineapple. Stand tall, wear a crown, and be sweet on the inside.

2. Be a pineapple. Stand tall, wear a crown, and be sweet on the inside.- classroom quotes

From small beginnings come great things.

12. From small beginnings come great things.

You are loved.

19. You are loved.

Broken crayons still color.

20. Broken crayons still color.- classroom quotes

Make today so awesome yesterday is jealous.

13. Make today so awesome yesterday is jealous.- classroom quotes

Say what you mean but don’t say it mean.

45. Say what you mean but don't say it mean.- classroom quotes

Be awesome, be amazing, be you.

15. Be awesome, be amazing, be you.

In our class we don’t do easy. We make easy happen through hard work and learning.

23. In our class we don't do easy. We make easy happen through hard work and learning.

Classroom Quotes for Middle Schoolers

You’re going to rattle the stars, you are.

38. You're going to rattle the stars, you are.- classroom quotes

Don’t look at your feet to see if you are doing it right. Just dance.

64. Don't look at your feet to see if you are doing it right. Just dance.

Live out of your imagination, not your history.

66. Live out of your imagination, not your history.- classroom quotes

Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.

Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.

If you smile when no one else is around, you really mean it.

If you smile when no one else is around, you really mean it.- classroom quotes

Never bend your head. Hold it high. Look the world in the eye.

29. Never bend your head. Hold it high. Look the world in the eye.

Misfits we may be, but we will rewrite history.

32. Misfits we may be, but we will rewrite history.

Everything you’ve ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear.

Everything you've ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear.

It’s easier to floss with barbed wire than admit you like someone in middle school.

It's easier to floss with barbed wire than admit you like someone in middle school.- classroom quotes

To have good friends, you need to be one.

To have good friends, you need to be one.

Classroom Quotes About Kindness

Kind is the new cool.

Kind is the new cool.

If the words you spoke appeared on your skin, would you still be beautiful?

5. If the words you spoke appeared on your skin, would you still be beautiful?

Look with kindness and you will find wonder.

14. Look with kindness and you will find wonder.- classroom quotes

In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

18. In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

Throw kindness around like confetti.

26. Throw kindness around like confetti.

Be the reason someone smiles today.

35. Be the reason someone smiles today.

You will never regret being kind.

47. You will never regret being kind.

Let’s root for each other and watch each other grow.

30. Let's root for each other and watch each other grow.- classroom quotes

Growth Mindset Classroom Quotes

I may not be there yet, but I am closer than I was yesterday.

6. I may not be there yet but I am closer than I was yesterday.

Try again. Fail again. Fail better.

28. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.- classroom quotes

If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.

39. If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you.

Mistakes help me learn better.

43. Mistakes help me learn better.

Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.

71. Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.-classroom quotes

Don’t worry about failure … you only have to be right once.

72. Don’t worry about failure ... you only have to be right once.

A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.

A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.- classroom quotes

There’s a way to do it better. Find it.

There’s a way to do it better. Find it.

A year from now, you will wish you had started today.

68. A year from now, you will wish you had started today.

All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.

36. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.

If there is no struggle, there is no progress.

74. If there is no struggle, there is no progress.- classroom quotes

Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.

54. Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.

The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same.

55. The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same.

Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.

56. Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.- classroom quotes

When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.

59. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.

He who questions much shall learn much and retain much.

He who questions much shall learn much and retain much.- classroom quotes

Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.

34. Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right.- classroom quotes

Everything you don’t know is something you can learn.

42. Everything you don't know is something you can learn.

It doesn’t matter what others are doing, it matters what you are doing.

See also  Anthropic takes on OpenAI and Google with new Claude AI features designed for students and developers

50. It doesn't matter what others are doing, it matters what you are doing.

When you change your thoughts, remember to also change your world.

53. When you change your thoughts, remember to also change your world.- classroom quotes

Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward.

57. Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward.

Either you run the day or the day runs you.

58. Either you run the day or the day runs you.

Classroom Quotes About Learning

Reading is like breathing in, writing is like breathing out.

8. Reading is like breathing in, writing is like breathing out.

Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.

16. Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.

The earth without art is just eh.

27. The earth without art is just eh.

Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.

60. Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.

Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new.

61. Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new.- classroom quotes

The classroom should be an entrance into the world, not an escape from it.

The classroom should be an entrance into the world, not an escape from it.

If we value all readers, we must value all reading.

If we value all readers, we must value all reading.- classroom quotes

The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.

The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.

Excellence is an art won by training and habituation.

Excellence is an art won by training and habituation.- classroom quotes

Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire.

Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire.- classroom quotes

Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.

Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.

No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.

No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.

The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.

The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.

The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.

33. The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.

The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one.

The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one.- classroom quotes

The future of the world is in my classroom today.

The future of the world is in my classroom today.

I am not a teacher but an awakener.

I am not a teacher but an awakener.

Learn as if you will live forever, live like you will die tomorrow.

52. Learn as if you will live forever, live like you will die tomorrow.

Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.

Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.- classroom quotes

Quotes for Inclusive Classrooms

Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.

17. Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.- classroom quotes

Even if hate has a bullhorn, love is louder.

7. Even if hate has a bullhorn, love is louder.

None of us is as smart as all of us.

11. None of us is as smart as all of us.

You’re here. You take up space. You matter.

24. You're here. You take up space. You matter.- classroom quotes

Your voice matters.

25. Your voice matters.- classroom quotes

We may all be different fish, but at this school we swim together.

44. We may all be different fish, but at this school we swim together.

You belong here.

46. You belong here.

Classroom Quotes for Daily Motivation

Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.

4. Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.

Hustle beats talent when talent doesn’t hustle.

69. Hustle beats talent when talent doesn’t hustle.

If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough.

10. If your dreams don't scare you, they aren't big enough.

Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.

22. Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.

It’s a good day for a good day.

40. It's a good day for a good day.

You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.

41. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.- classroom quotes

Look closely at the present you are constructing. It should look like the future you are dreaming.

48. Look closely at the present you are constructing. It should look like the future you are dreaming.

Wake up and be awesome.

51. Wake up and be awesome.

49. Excellence is doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.- classroom quotes

Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.

62. Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.

If you’re not positive energy, you’re negative energy.

63. If you’re not positive energy, you’re negative energy.

Set your goals high, and don’t stop till you get there.

65. Set your goals high, and don’t stop till you get there.

Worry is a misuse of imagination.

67. Worry is a misuse of imagination.

You carry the passport to your own happiness.

73. You carry the passport to your own happiness.

It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.

75. It's kind of fun to do the impossible.

No one is perfect—that’s why pencils have erasers.

No one is perfect—that’s why pencils have erasers.- classroom quotes

The secret of getting ahead is getting started.

The secret of getting ahead is getting started.

Only surround yourself with people who will lift you higher.

Only surround yourself with people who will lift you higher.- classroom quotes

Everything comes to he who hustles while he waits.

Everything comes to he who hustles while he waits.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.

Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.

Ideas are great arrows, but there has to be a bow.

Ideas are great arrows, but there has to be a bow.

History: a collection of epitaphs.

History: a collection of epitaphs.

I never dreamt of success. I worked for it.

I never dreamt of success. I worked for it.

Passion is the genesis of genius.

Passion is the genesis of genius.

5 Ways To Use Quotes in the Classroom

Try these ideas for using inspirational quotes of all kinds with your students.

Daily Quotes

Share a quote during your morning meeting and discuss it with your students. It can set the tone for the entire day!

Writing Prompts

Post a quote and ask students to reflect on what it means to them in their personal journals. You can also encourage kids to write stories or essays with these quotes as the central theme.

a computer and ipad screen showing examples of the writing prompts for high school google slides
We Are Teachers

Quote-Inspired Skits

Break students into groups and assign each one a quote (or let them choose). Then, have them write and act out a short skit that shows that quote in action.

Quote Debates

Choose a quote and invite students to think about whether they agree or disagree with the sentiment. Then, hold a (friendly) classroom debate to practice effective arguments.

blank student debate graphic organizers and posters
We Are Teachers

Classroom Decor

Print and hang our free posters, use a quote to center a bulletin board, or ask students to choose a quote to illustrate. Easy, inspirational classroom decorations in a snap!

Get your classroom quote posters!

Five examples of classroom quotes posters
We Are Teachers

We’ve selected five of our very favorite quotes for you to print and hang around your classroom. Hit the button, then fill out the form on this page for your free set!

Explore all of our Back to School Resources here!

Plus, see all of our Printable Classroom Posters here!

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We love using inspirational quotes to motivate and encourage students. The power of words just cannot be overestimated. Sometimes sharing the right words at the right moment can make all the difference. Here are some of our all-time favorite classroom quotes, as spotted on Instagram.

Jump to:

Five examples of classroom quotes posters
We Are Teachers

FREE PRINTABLES

Classroom Quote Posters

We’ve collected some of our favorite classroom quote posters for you to print and hang. Just fill out the form on this page for your free set!

Favorite Classroom Quotes From Real Teachers

We asked teachers to share the quotes they love using in the classroom. These are their top picks!

Grown-ups never understand anything by themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them.

"My favorite is by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. I teach pre-K, and it's amazing how littles see the world with such a unique lens. And I love how much I can learn from them each day. They make me smile, laugh, and reframe my thinking in whimsical and imaginative ways!" —Katie H.

“My favorite is by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. I teach pre-K, and it’s amazing how littles see the world with such a unique lens. And I love how much I can learn from them each day. They make me smile, laugh, and reframe my thinking in whimsical and imaginative ways!” —Katie H.

We have grit and we won’t quit!

“Our elementary P.E. teacher taught the kids to say this. I have them chant it often as a reminder to persevere through struggles. It’s catchy, it rhymes, and it imparts an excellent life lesson with wide application. For example, before beginning our hands-on STEM unit, we talk about how scientists don’t expect things to work perfectly on the first try, but they are problem-solvers who try again. It may take many tries but you shouldn’t give up!” —Amy B.

I’m not crazy. I’m just creative!

“My favorite quote actually came from one of my 4th graders last year! I loved it so much when I heard her say it that she wrote it down for me and I hung it on my wall. I use it to encourage outside-of-the-box thinking and being your own authentic self, always!” —Eliana B.

Classroom Quotes for Elementary School

Be the leader in a school of fish.

Classroom quotes: Be the leader in a school of fish.

Be a pineapple. Stand tall, wear a crown, and be sweet on the inside.

2. Be a pineapple. Stand tall, wear a crown, and be sweet on the inside.- classroom quotes

From small beginnings come great things.

12. From small beginnings come great things.

You are loved.

19. You are loved.

Broken crayons still color.

20. Broken crayons still color.- classroom quotes

Make today so awesome yesterday is jealous.

13. Make today so awesome yesterday is jealous.- classroom quotes

Say what you mean but don’t say it mean.

45. Say what you mean but don't say it mean.- classroom quotes

Be awesome, be amazing, be you.

15. Be awesome, be amazing, be you.

In our class we don’t do easy. We make easy happen through hard work and learning.

23. In our class we don't do easy. We make easy happen through hard work and learning.

Classroom Quotes for Middle Schoolers

You’re going to rattle the stars, you are.

38. You're going to rattle the stars, you are.- classroom quotes

Don’t look at your feet to see if you are doing it right. Just dance.

64. Don't look at your feet to see if you are doing it right. Just dance.

Live out of your imagination, not your history.

66. Live out of your imagination, not your history.- classroom quotes

Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.

Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.

If you smile when no one else is around, you really mean it.

If you smile when no one else is around, you really mean it.- classroom quotes

Never bend your head. Hold it high. Look the world in the eye.

29. Never bend your head. Hold it high. Look the world in the eye.

Misfits we may be, but we will rewrite history.

32. Misfits we may be, but we will rewrite history.

Everything you’ve ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear.

Everything you've ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear.

It’s easier to floss with barbed wire than admit you like someone in middle school.

It's easier to floss with barbed wire than admit you like someone in middle school.- classroom quotes

To have good friends, you need to be one.

To have good friends, you need to be one.

Classroom Quotes About Kindness

Kind is the new cool.

Kind is the new cool.

If the words you spoke appeared on your skin, would you still be beautiful?

5. If the words you spoke appeared on your skin, would you still be beautiful?

Look with kindness and you will find wonder.

14. Look with kindness and you will find wonder.- classroom quotes

In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

18. In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

Throw kindness around like confetti.

26. Throw kindness around like confetti.

Be the reason someone smiles today.

35. Be the reason someone smiles today.

You will never regret being kind.

47. You will never regret being kind.

Let’s root for each other and watch each other grow.

30. Let's root for each other and watch each other grow.- classroom quotes

Growth Mindset Classroom Quotes

I may not be there yet, but I am closer than I was yesterday.

6. I may not be there yet but I am closer than I was yesterday.

Try again. Fail again. Fail better.

28. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.- classroom quotes

If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.

39. If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you.

Mistakes help me learn better.

43. Mistakes help me learn better.

Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.

71. Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.-classroom quotes

Don’t worry about failure … you only have to be right once.

72. Don’t worry about failure ... you only have to be right once.

A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.

A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.- classroom quotes

There’s a way to do it better. Find it.

There’s a way to do it better. Find it.

A year from now, you will wish you had started today.

68. A year from now, you will wish you had started today.

All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.

36. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.

If there is no struggle, there is no progress.

74. If there is no struggle, there is no progress.- classroom quotes

Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.

54. Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.

The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same.

55. The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same.

Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.

56. Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.- classroom quotes

When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.

59. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.

He who questions much shall learn much and retain much.

He who questions much shall learn much and retain much.- classroom quotes

Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.

34. Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right.- classroom quotes

Everything you don’t know is something you can learn.

42. Everything you don't know is something you can learn.

It doesn’t matter what others are doing, it matters what you are doing.

50. It doesn't matter what others are doing, it matters what you are doing.

When you change your thoughts, remember to also change your world.

53. When you change your thoughts, remember to also change your world.- classroom quotes

Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward.

57. Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward.

Either you run the day or the day runs you.

58. Either you run the day or the day runs you.

Classroom Quotes About Learning

Reading is like breathing in, writing is like breathing out.

8. Reading is like breathing in, writing is like breathing out.

Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.

16. Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.

The earth without art is just eh.

27. The earth without art is just eh.

Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.

60. Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.

Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new.

61. Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new.- classroom quotes

The classroom should be an entrance into the world, not an escape from it.

The classroom should be an entrance into the world, not an escape from it.

If we value all readers, we must value all reading.

If we value all readers, we must value all reading.- classroom quotes

The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.

The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.

Excellence is an art won by training and habituation.

Excellence is an art won by training and habituation.- classroom quotes

Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire.

Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire.- classroom quotes

Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.

Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.

No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.

No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.

The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.

The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.

The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.

33. The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.

The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one.

The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one.- classroom quotes

The future of the world is in my classroom today.

The future of the world is in my classroom today.

I am not a teacher but an awakener.

I am not a teacher but an awakener.

Learn as if you will live forever, live like you will die tomorrow.

52. Learn as if you will live forever, live like you will die tomorrow.

Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.

Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.- classroom quotes

Quotes for Inclusive Classrooms

Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.

17. Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.- classroom quotes

Even if hate has a bullhorn, love is louder.

7. Even if hate has a bullhorn, love is louder.

None of us is as smart as all of us.

11. None of us is as smart as all of us.

You’re here. You take up space. You matter.

24. You're here. You take up space. You matter.- classroom quotes

Your voice matters.

25. Your voice matters.- classroom quotes

We may all be different fish, but at this school we swim together.

44. We may all be different fish, but at this school we swim together.

You belong here.

46. You belong here.

Classroom Quotes for Daily Motivation

Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.

4. Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.

Hustle beats talent when talent doesn’t hustle.

69. Hustle beats talent when talent doesn’t hustle.

If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough.

10. If your dreams don't scare you, they aren't big enough.

Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.

22. Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.

It’s a good day for a good day.

40. It's a good day for a good day.

You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.

41. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.- classroom quotes

Look closely at the present you are constructing. It should look like the future you are dreaming.

48. Look closely at the present you are constructing. It should look like the future you are dreaming.

Wake up and be awesome.

51. Wake up and be awesome.

49. Excellence is doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.- classroom quotes

Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.

62. Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.

If you’re not positive energy, you’re negative energy.

63. If you’re not positive energy, you’re negative energy.

Set your goals high, and don’t stop till you get there.

65. Set your goals high, and don’t stop till you get there.

Worry is a misuse of imagination.

67. Worry is a misuse of imagination.

You carry the passport to your own happiness.

73. You carry the passport to your own happiness.

It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.

75. It's kind of fun to do the impossible.

No one is perfect—that’s why pencils have erasers.

No one is perfect—that’s why pencils have erasers.- classroom quotes

The secret of getting ahead is getting started.

The secret of getting ahead is getting started.

Only surround yourself with people who will lift you higher.

Only surround yourself with people who will lift you higher.- classroom quotes

Everything comes to he who hustles while he waits.

Everything comes to he who hustles while he waits.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.

Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.

Ideas are great arrows, but there has to be a bow.

Ideas are great arrows, but there has to be a bow.

History: a collection of epitaphs.

History: a collection of epitaphs.

I never dreamt of success. I worked for it.

I never dreamt of success. I worked for it.

Passion is the genesis of genius.

Passion is the genesis of genius.

5 Ways To Use Quotes in the Classroom

Try these ideas for using inspirational quotes of all kinds with your students.

Daily Quotes

Share a quote during your morning meeting and discuss it with your students. It can set the tone for the entire day!

Writing Prompts

Post a quote and ask students to reflect on what it means to them in their personal journals. You can also encourage kids to write stories or essays with these quotes as the central theme.

a computer and ipad screen showing examples of the writing prompts for high school google slides
We Are Teachers

Quote-Inspired Skits

Break students into groups and assign each one a quote (or let them choose). Then, have them write and act out a short skit that shows that quote in action.

Quote Debates

Choose a quote and invite students to think about whether they agree or disagree with the sentiment. Then, hold a (friendly) classroom debate to practice effective arguments.

blank student debate graphic organizers and posters
We Are Teachers

Classroom Decor

Print and hang our free posters, use a quote to center a bulletin board, or ask students to choose a quote to illustrate. Easy, inspirational classroom decorations in a snap!

Get your classroom quote posters!

Five examples of classroom quotes posters
We Are Teachers

We’ve selected five of our very favorite quotes for you to print and hang around your classroom. Hit the button, then fill out the form on this page for your free set!

Explore all of our Back to School Resources here!

Plus, see all of our Printable Classroom Posters here!

.
– Ensure no new status labels or title updates were introduced.
– Ensure HTML remains valid and usable in WordPress.
– Ensure the final result is only the rewritten article text.

Rewrite

We love using inspirational quotes to motivate and encourage students. The power of words just cannot be overestimated. Sometimes sharing the right words at the right moment can make all the difference. Here are some of our all-time favorite classroom quotes, as spotted on Instagram.

Jump to:

Five examples of classroom quotes posters
We Are Teachers

FREE PRINTABLES

Classroom Quote Posters

We’ve collected some of our favorite classroom quote posters for you to print and hang. Just fill out the form on this page for your free set!

Favorite Classroom Quotes From Real Teachers

We asked teachers to share the quotes they love using in the classroom. These are their top picks!

Grown-ups never understand anything by themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them.

"My favorite is by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. I teach pre-K, and it's amazing how littles see the world with such a unique lens. And I love how much I can learn from them each day. They make me smile, laugh, and reframe my thinking in whimsical and imaginative ways!" —Katie H.

“My favorite is by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. I teach pre-K, and it’s amazing how littles see the world with such a unique lens. And I love how much I can learn from them each day. They make me smile, laugh, and reframe my thinking in whimsical and imaginative ways!” —Katie H.

We have grit and we won’t quit!

“Our elementary P.E. teacher taught the kids to say this. I have them chant it often as a reminder to persevere through struggles. It’s catchy, it rhymes, and it imparts an excellent life lesson with wide application. For example, before beginning our hands-on STEM unit, we talk about how scientists don’t expect things to work perfectly on the first try, but they are problem-solvers who try again. It may take many tries but you shouldn’t give up!” —Amy B.

I’m not crazy. I’m just creative!

“My favorite quote actually came from one of my 4th graders last year! I loved it so much when I heard her say it that she wrote it down for me and I hung it on my wall. I use it to encourage outside-of-the-box thinking and being your own authentic self, always!” —Eliana B.

Classroom Quotes for Elementary School

Be the leader in a school of fish.

Classroom quotes: Be the leader in a school of fish.

Be a pineapple. Stand tall, wear a crown, and be sweet on the inside.

2. Be a pineapple. Stand tall, wear a crown, and be sweet on the inside.- classroom quotes

From small beginnings come great things.

12. From small beginnings come great things.

You are loved.

19. You are loved.

Broken crayons still color.

20. Broken crayons still color.- classroom quotes

Make today so awesome yesterday is jealous.

13. Make today so awesome yesterday is jealous.- classroom quotes

Say what you mean but don’t say it mean.

45. Say what you mean but don't say it mean.- classroom quotes

Be awesome, be amazing, be you.

15. Be awesome, be amazing, be you.

In our class we don’t do easy. We make easy happen through hard work and learning.

23. In our class we don't do easy. We make easy happen through hard work and learning.

Classroom Quotes for Middle Schoolers

You’re going to rattle the stars, you are.

38. You're going to rattle the stars, you are.- classroom quotes

Don’t look at your feet to see if you are doing it right. Just dance.

64. Don't look at your feet to see if you are doing it right. Just dance.

Live out of your imagination, not your history.

66. Live out of your imagination, not your history.- classroom quotes

Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.

Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.

If you smile when no one else is around, you really mean it.

If you smile when no one else is around, you really mean it.- classroom quotes

Never bend your head. Hold it high. Look the world in the eye.

29. Never bend your head. Hold it high. Look the world in the eye.

Misfits we may be, but we will rewrite history.

32. Misfits we may be, but we will rewrite history.

Everything you’ve ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear.

Everything you've ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear.

It’s easier to floss with barbed wire than admit you like someone in middle school.

It's easier to floss with barbed wire than admit you like someone in middle school.- classroom quotes

To have good friends, you need to be one.

To have good friends, you need to be one.

Classroom Quotes About Kindness

Kind is the new cool.

Kind is the new cool.

If the words you spoke appeared on your skin, would you still be beautiful?

5. If the words you spoke appeared on your skin, would you still be beautiful?

Look with kindness and you will find wonder.

14. Look with kindness and you will find wonder.- classroom quotes

In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

18. In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

Throw kindness around like confetti.

26. Throw kindness around like confetti.

Be the reason someone smiles today.

35. Be the reason someone smiles today.

You will never regret being kind.

47. You will never regret being kind.

Let’s root for each other and watch each other grow.

30. Let's root for each other and watch each other grow.- classroom quotes

Growth Mindset Classroom Quotes

I may not be there yet, but I am closer than I was yesterday.

6. I may not be there yet but I am closer than I was yesterday.

Try again. Fail again. Fail better.

28. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.- classroom quotes

If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.

39. If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you.

Mistakes help me learn better.

43. Mistakes help me learn better.

Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.

71. Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.-classroom quotes

Don’t worry about failure … you only have to be right once.

72. Don’t worry about failure ... you only have to be right once.

A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.

A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.- classroom quotes

There’s a way to do it better. Find it.

There’s a way to do it better. Find it.

A year from now, you will wish you had started today.

68. A year from now, you will wish you had started today.

All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.

36. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.

If there is no struggle, there is no progress.

74. If there is no struggle, there is no progress.- classroom quotes

Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.

54. Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.

The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same.

55. The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same.

Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.

56. Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.- classroom quotes

When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.

59. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.

He who questions much shall learn much and retain much.

He who questions much shall learn much and retain much.- classroom quotes

Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.

34. Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right.- classroom quotes

Everything you don’t know is something you can learn.

42. Everything you don't know is something you can learn.

It doesn’t matter what others are doing, it matters what you are doing.

50. It doesn't matter what others are doing, it matters what you are doing.

When you change your thoughts, remember to also change your world.

53. When you change your thoughts, remember to also change your world.- classroom quotes

Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward.

57. Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward.

Either you run the day or the day runs you.

58. Either you run the day or the day runs you.

Classroom Quotes About Learning

Reading is like breathing in, writing is like breathing out.

8. Reading is like breathing in, writing is like breathing out.

Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.

16. Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.

The earth without art is just eh.

27. The earth without art is just eh.

Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.

60. Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.

Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new.

61. Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new.- classroom quotes

The classroom should be an entrance into the world, not an escape from it.

The classroom should be an entrance into the world, not an escape from it.

If we value all readers, we must value all reading.

If we value all readers, we must value all reading.- classroom quotes

The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.

The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.

Excellence is an art won by training and habituation.

Excellence is an art won by training and habituation.- classroom quotes

Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire.

Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire.- classroom quotes

Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.

Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.

No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.

No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.

The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.

The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.

The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.

33. The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.

The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one.

The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one.- classroom quotes

The future of the world is in my classroom today.

The future of the world is in my classroom today.

I am not a teacher but an awakener.

I am not a teacher but an awakener.

Learn as if you will live forever, live like you will die tomorrow.

52. Learn as if you will live forever, live like you will die tomorrow.

Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.

Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.- classroom quotes

Quotes for Inclusive Classrooms

Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.

17. Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.- classroom quotes

Even if hate has a bullhorn, love is louder.

7. Even if hate has a bullhorn, love is louder.

None of us is as smart as all of us.

11. None of us is as smart as all of us.

You’re here. You take up space. You matter.

24. You're here. You take up space. You matter.- classroom quotes

Your voice matters.

25. Your voice matters.- classroom quotes

We may all be different fish, but at this school we swim together.

44. We may all be different fish, but at this school we swim together.

You belong here.

46. You belong here.

Classroom Quotes for Daily Motivation

Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.

4. Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.

Hustle beats talent when talent doesn’t hustle.

69. Hustle beats talent when talent doesn’t hustle.

If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough.

10. If your dreams don't scare you, they aren't big enough.

Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.

22. Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.

It’s a good day for a good day.

40. It's a good day for a good day.

You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.

41. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.- classroom quotes

Look closely at the present you are constructing. It should look like the future you are dreaming.

48. Look closely at the present you are constructing. It should look like the future you are dreaming.

Wake up and be awesome.

51. Wake up and be awesome.

49. Excellence is doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.- classroom quotes

Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.

62. Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.

If you’re not positive energy, you’re negative energy.

63. If you’re not positive energy, you’re negative energy.

Set your goals high, and don’t stop till you get there.

65. Set your goals high, and don’t stop till you get there.

Worry is a misuse of imagination.

67. Worry is a misuse of imagination.

You carry the passport to your own happiness.

73. You carry the passport to your own happiness.

It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.

75. It's kind of fun to do the impossible.

No one is perfect—that’s why pencils have erasers.

No one is perfect—that’s why pencils have erasers.- classroom quotes

The secret of getting ahead is getting started.

The secret of getting ahead is getting started.

Only surround yourself with people who will lift you higher.

Only surround yourself with people who will lift you higher.- classroom quotes

Everything comes to he who hustles while he waits.

Everything comes to he who hustles while he waits.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.

Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.

Ideas are great arrows, but there has to be a bow.

Ideas are great arrows, but there has to be a bow.

History: a collection of epitaphs.

History: a collection of epitaphs.

I never dreamt of success. I worked for it.

I never dreamt of success. I worked for it.

Passion is the genesis of genius.

Passion is the genesis of genius.

5 Ways To Use Quotes in the Classroom

Try these ideas for using inspirational quotes of all kinds with your students.

Daily Quotes

Share a quote during your morning meeting and discuss it with your students. It can set the tone for the entire day!

Writing Prompts

Post a quote and ask students to reflect on what it means to them in their personal journals. You can also encourage kids to write stories or essays with these quotes as the central theme.

a computer and ipad screen showing examples of the writing prompts for high school google slides
We Are Teachers

Quote-Inspired Skits

Break students into groups and assign each one a quote (or let them choose). Then, have them write and act out a short skit that shows that quote in action.

Quote Debates

Choose a quote and invite students to think about whether they agree or disagree with the sentiment. Then, hold a (friendly) classroom debate to practice effective arguments.

blank student debate graphic organizers and posters
We Are Teachers

Classroom Decor

Print and hang our free posters, use a quote to center a bulletin board, or ask students to choose a quote to illustrate. Easy, inspirational classroom decorations in a snap!

Get your classroom quote posters!

Five examples of classroom quotes posters
We Are Teachers

We’ve selected five of our very favorite quotes for you to print and hang around your classroom. Hit the button, then fill out the form on this page for your free set!

Explore all of our Back to School Resources here!

Plus, see all of our Printable Classroom Posters here!

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