It's about the role and responsibilities:
* Professors: In universities and colleges, the term "professor" usually denotes someone with a doctorate degree, who has significant research responsibilities alongside teaching. They are often involved in publishing academic work, conducting research, and mentoring graduate students.
* Teachers: In high schools, the term "teacher" is the primary title for instructors. While some high school teachers may have master's degrees, the focus is primarily on delivering curriculum and supporting student learning in a specific subject area.
It's also about the context:
* University: At universities, you'll find a range of titles for instructors: Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, Lecturer, Adjunct Professor, etc. The titles often reflect their experience, research output, and role within the department.
* High school: The term "teacher" is used more universally, but you may find some titles like "Department Head," "Head Coach," or "Guidance Counselor" to denote specific roles within the school.
It's not always consistent:
* Community Colleges: In community colleges, you may encounter both "Professor" and "Teacher" titles. The usage can vary depending on the institution.
* Other situations: Sometimes, the terms are used more casually. For instance, you might hear someone refer to a high school instructor as a "professor" if they have a doctorate or hold a position of authority within the school.
In summary: While "Professor" and "Teacher" are often associated with different levels of education, it's important to remember that the titles reflect a combination of academic qualifications, responsibilities, and the specific context of the institution.