Schoolmaster
Encyclopedia
A schoolmaster, or simply master, once referred to a male school
teacher
. This usage survives in British
public schools, but is generally obsolete elsewhere.
The teacher in charge of a school is the headmaster. This again survives in public schools, but has been replaced by head teacher in other British schools (although headmaster is still often used colloquially, particularly in grammar schools) and is equivalent to the principal in American
schools. The term headmaster also survives in some American
and Commonwealth
private schools.
A range of other terms was derived from this, including deputy headmaster (the second most senior teacher), senior master (used in some public schools instead of deputy headmaster), second master (the third most senior teacher), and housemaster
(the master in charge of a boarding house
). Some public schools use other titles as well.
The female equivalent is schoolmistress, which can be used with all the same prefixes.
School
A school is an institution designed for the teaching of students under the direction of teachers. Most countries have systems of formal education, which is commonly compulsory. In these systems, students progress through a series of schools...
teacher
Teacher
A teacher or schoolteacher is a person who provides education for pupils and students . The role of teacher is often formal and ongoing, carried out at a school or other place of formal education. In many countries, a person who wishes to become a teacher must first obtain specified professional...
. This usage survives in British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
public schools, but is generally obsolete elsewhere.
The teacher in charge of a school is the headmaster. This again survives in public schools, but has been replaced by head teacher in other British schools (although headmaster is still often used colloquially, particularly in grammar schools) and is equivalent to the principal in American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
schools. The term headmaster also survives in some American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and Commonwealth
Commonwealth of Nations
The Commonwealth of Nations, normally referred to as the Commonwealth and formerly known as the British Commonwealth, is an intergovernmental organisation of fifty-four independent member states...
private schools.
A range of other terms was derived from this, including deputy headmaster (the second most senior teacher), senior master (used in some public schools instead of deputy headmaster), second master (the third most senior teacher), and housemaster
Housemaster
In British education, a housemaster is a member of staff in charge of a boarding house, normally at a boarding school . The housemaster is responsible for the supervision and care of boarders in the house and typically lives on the premises...
(the master in charge of a boarding house
Boarding school
A boarding school is a school where some or all pupils study and live during the school year with their fellow students and possibly teachers and/or administrators. The word 'boarding' is used in the sense of "bed and board," i.e., lodging and meals...
). Some public schools use other titles as well.
The female equivalent is schoolmistress, which can be used with all the same prefixes.