noun
teacher's pointer; teacher's cane
Primarily used in the set phrase 教鞭をとる (to teach, to take up a teaching post). The literal object is rarely referred to outside this expression.
See also: 教鞭をとる
彼は長年、大学で教鞭をとってきた。
He has taught at the university for many years.
来年から高校で教鞭をとる予定だ。
I plan to take up a teaching position at a high school next year.
教壇 means 'platform' or 'podium' in a classroom, while 教鞭 refers specifically to the pointer/cane and is used idiomatically for teaching.
From 教 (teaching) + 鞭 (whip/cane). Originally referred to the pointer or cane used by teachers, now mainly used in the idiom 教鞭をとる.