IPA: /ˈpɛdəˌɡɔɡ/
KK: /ˈpɛdæɡɔɡ/
A person who teaches, especially in a formal or academic setting.
The pedagog inspired his students to think critically and creatively.
Pedagog is derived from "paidos" (meaning child) and "agō" (meaning to lead or to guide) in Greek. The term originally referred to a slave who led a child to school, thus evolving to mean a teacher or educator.
Think of someone who 'leads' ('agō') a 'child' ('paidos') to learn — that's why a pedagog is someone who guides children in their education.
No commonly confused words.