Quotes from teachers that stayed with their students—from the life-changing to the head-scratching.

My high school chemistry teacher used to tell us, “Carol never wore her safety goggles. Now, she doesn’t need them.” It was a joke. I think. But it sure got the point across.—Alicia on Mr. P.

The author of Like My Mother Always Said and Like My Father Always Said returns with a new crowdsourced collection of quips, quotes, and stories from people recalling childhood influences from grade school instructors to piano teachers, Catholic school sisters, guidance counselors, coaches, and mentors. In addition, teachers themselves have contributed some entertaining reminiscences and tales from the classroom.

With chapters such as “Scare Tactics,” “Advice That Stuck,” and “Crazy Town,” the entries range from the wise to the weird—provoking nostalgia, inspiration, and more than a few good laughs.