Who said teachers can’t be content creators too? Many educators are setting up their tripods and using digital platforms like TikTok, documenting their journeys (the good, the bad and everything in between), sharing teaching methods that embrace all learners, creating safe spaces for students and offering resources to help others navigate their teaching careers. 

Ready to get inspired? Here’s our list of top New York State teachers on TikTok: 

 

 

1. @TeachingWithMs.Shekian: The first five years of a child’s life are essential for their developmental growth. Sam Shekian, a kindergarten teacher based in New York City, engages her students with fun and productive activities. She chronicles her adventures, cool outfits and love for her little scholars on TikTok. Whether she’s sharing her students’ drawings or opening “fan mail” for her class’s favorite phonetic awareness butterfly puppet, Shekian never fails to capture the wholesome moments of being a teacher. Thanks for being an awesome teacher, Ms. Shekian! 

2. @HannahhAlexis: Creating a comfortable classroom environment positively impacts student learning, and third-grade teacher Hannah Whitehead makes sure to build that safe space for her class. On TikTok, Whitehead showcases how she makes classroom decor both cute and functional, with affirming posters, an easy-to-read class calendar and daily schedule cards. Whitehead’s weekly outfits (her Thursday outfit is everything!) show that you can look stylish and professional at the same time. She also creates a safe space for fellow educators to discuss their work boundaries and occasional obstacles. Whitehead is an A+ teacher over here! 

 

3. @NYCPreschoolTeacher: Teaching a class filled with 10-15 excited 3-year-olds might seem scary for some, but Ms. Jennifer is ready for the job at hand. Our favorite NYC preschool teacher offers tips on how to plan easy, low-cost, low-prep and enjoyable activities for students. She also educates viewers on how important it is to be a 3-K teacher, dispelling misconceptions such as preschool teachers “getting paid to just play all day.” Ms. Jennifer also uses her platform to recommend preschool classroom must-haves, meet up with fellow early childhood educators, share advice on how she became a teacher and advocate for her students. 

4. @TeacherCrunch: If you’re an aspiring teacher looking for guidance, this TikTok account is meant for you. This creator educator shares her raw experiences as a teacher in the New York City charter and public school system. She offers advice on how educators-to-be can pass their job interviews and how to teach with a student-centered curriculum. 

5. @Ms.Lazala: As a 20-year-old first-year early childhood teacher, Ms. Lazala is already making waves as a role model for her students. This educator from New York City always has a warm smile on her face as she documents her journey to earning her master’s degree while teaching kindergarten and coaching 3rd grade cheerleading. Whether she’s sharing her favorite cheers from high school, giving advice on how she became a teacher or dressing up for her 100th day of school, one thing’s for certain: She loves her job! 

6. @Ms.Burgos4: Ms. Burgos brings her Dominican roots to her bilingual classroom. Bilingual education and English as a Second Language (ESL) is a high-needs subject in New York State. With Ms. Burgos’ videos, we get a rare glimpse at how ESL teachers lead their students. 

While her videos are primarily filmed in Spanish, her connection with her students transcends. During her breaks she can be seen having light-hearted conversations or making funny skits. However, when it’s time for business, Ms. Burgos is zoned in! She creates a safe space for her students to interact and build their reading skills in both English and Spanish. 

Muchisimas gracias, Sra. Burgos! 
 

7. @Mrs.KellyBenkleman: With dynamic students and parents, the classroom is rarely boring. Kelly Benkleman hilariously captures all the daily adventures of teachers and the wholesome quirks that come with it — from the infamous seating chart, to preparing for surprise teacher observations and the different types of students on the first day of school. This Buffalo-based teacher’s content makes other educators feel seen. She also makes her students feel seen, creating a welcoming and respectful environment in the classroom.

These educators show us the ins and outs of leading. Who knows? Soon enough, you’ll be teaching in your own classroom, setting up your tripod and chronicling your own memories with your students. 

In the meantime, you can explore your options and learn how to get certified in New York State with TeachNY’s Certification Guide.