Teach, Teacher
The verb teach has its origins in the ancient Proto-Indo-European root deik (to show, to point out). PIE deik is the root of Proto-Germanic taikijan (to show) and Old English toecan (to show, point out, declare, demonstrate; to give instruction, train, assign, direct, warn, persuade).
Old English toecan is related to Old English tacen (a sign, a mark) from which comes the word token, suggesting, perhaps, that a teacher is a token or sign or example of what is being taught—the teacher practices what she or he preaches.
The Old English word tecunge (meaning both that which is taught and the act of teaching) is from the late 13th century. This word tecunge appears to suggest that the teacher, as a ‘token’, embodies both ‘what’ is taught and ‘how’ something is taught. Or, as is said in contemporary teacher training, “We teach who we are.”
The word teacher, one who teaches, comes to English from Old English toecan in the early 14th century. The word ‘teachable’ meaning persons capable of being taught is from the late 15th century and meaning subjects to be taught is from the 1660s. The phrase ‘teachable moment’ is from 1917 although it was not common until the 1960s.
On another note, the ancient Chinese ceremony for the initiation of new teachers was known as the Tea Ching.
Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
Old English toecan is related to Old English tacen (a sign, a mark) from which comes the word token, suggesting, perhaps, that a teacher is a token or sign or example of what is being taught—the teacher practices what she or he preaches.
The Old English word tecunge (meaning both that which is taught and the act of teaching) is from the late 13th century. This word tecunge appears to suggest that the teacher, as a ‘token’, embodies both ‘what’ is taught and ‘how’ something is taught. Or, as is said in contemporary teacher training, “We teach who we are.”
The word teacher, one who teaches, comes to English from Old English toecan in the early 14th century. The word ‘teachable’ meaning persons capable of being taught is from the late 15th century and meaning subjects to be taught is from the 1660s. The phrase ‘teachable moment’ is from 1917 although it was not common until the 1960s.
On another note, the ancient Chinese ceremony for the initiation of new teachers was known as the Tea Ching.
Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
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