25 of the most memorable TV teachers

Rupert Giles – Buffy the Vampire Slayer

What the heck would the Scooby gang do without Giles? Although not technically a teacher, he serves as librarian extraordinaire, expert on all things demon and world’s best Watcher. Rupert Giles is saddled with the difficult, but important job of wrangling the Slayer, and it often proves hard for even him to handle.

Giles’ domain is the library, but he’s not afraid to venture out into the field to help Buffy when she needs his. He knows his way around an ancient text and spellbook, and it’s this experience that leads him to open his magic shop in later seasons.

Beyond his Watcher duties, he serves as a father figure to Buffy and crew. He fights fiercely for and alongside Buffy, even defying the Council when he saves her life. He always has a rebellious streak, rejecting his Watcher legacy to be a rogue magician.

No matter how far he gets from the library, he always prioritizes education and protection. His educator ways never leave him, and he actively seeks out Potential Slayers when the First Evil presents (one of many) threats to end the world.

Sure, Giles may be murdered by a possessed Angel, but his duty and dedication fight their way back. Even if he comes back as a 12 year old boy, he still tirelessly works to help his people out of one supernatural jam after another.

All seven seasons are available on Hulu.