High school is full of unforgettable moments: spirit weeks, late-night cram sessions, awkward presentations—and of course, teacher catchphrases. The dramatic, the overused, the ones that echo across classrooms year after year. Shouted, whispered or repeated with the same energy every single day. Some inspire laughter, some eye-rolls, and some existential dread. It is time to finally rank the top five most iconic lines that make up the soundtrack of the school day.
5. The classic, “Show your work.” The dreaded words that show up on every math or math-based science test just because a few students from two years ago wanted to use artificial intelligence. Teachers, if it is your job to make sure students memorize the equations and process; then why are you so hung up on it when they know it so well, they don’t even need to show the work?
4. “Class isn’t over yet!” Or better known as, “The bell doesn’t dismiss you; I dismiss you.” No matter how it is said, it sounds like nails on a chalkboard. There is one minute until the bell, and the slideshow literally says, “THE END.” Let. The. Students. Go.
3. “This will be on the test.” Now, in normal circumstances, this is a favor from the teacher, a blessing even, to know what will be on the summative test. Even better when it shows up on the study guide. But when the test arrives, and it is nowhere to be found? Instead, it’s been replaced by some utter nonsense that they “apparently” went over for half of the class (and no one remembers).
2.“Phones in the phone home.” … the phone home? Seriously? Your class is so boring that you need to enforce the phone home so kids will actually pass your class? This one honestly speaks for itself, you know who you are.
1. This next one, I’m sure, has been uttered by every teacher in existence. “I don’t know… can you?” Are we serious right now? Students use on average half of their passing period to get to class, and on top of that, staff kicks students out of the bathroom during passing period, and when they aren’t students are lining the walls with vapes in one hand, and phones in the other – completely eliminating all chances of using the restroom during passing period. So no, English teachers, they couldn’t “go during passing period”. What’s with denying students their natural right to relieve themselves?
Of course, no ranking would be complete without a few legendary quotes straight from Central High School itself. These next quotes are from students who answered the form posted April 17, 2025.
“Does that make sense…?” – Kelsey Porter, English teacher
And then stares directly into the soul of one poor student, like failure is personally disappointing.
“It’s hump day!” – Derek Leslie, Business Education teacher
Followed immediately by that same obnoxious camel ad. Every. Single. Wednesday. No survivors.
“I’m done with y’all.” – Ryan Cripps, JROTC Instructor
Always said after giving the class a heavy sigh and at least three exasperated looks. A Central classic.
“Get locked or get clocked.” – Sara Cowan, Vocal/Music teacher
A warning, a way of life, a slogan for survival at Central. Fully embraced by the students.
“Get it, got it, good?” – Jordan Boyer, Social Studies teacher
The holy trinity of making sure no one has an excuse for forgetting instructions. Say it faster next time.
“Onward!” – Molly Jensen, Math teacher
Usually delivered with enough enthusiasm to drag a half-dead class into the next unit whether they like it or not.
