Since 2018, when TikTok rose to popularity, many influencers have taken a personalized approach towards the platform. Farmers have used the platform to showcase their adorable interactions with animals while makeup artists (MUAs), have crafted intricate makeup routines that guide their watchers. By creating TikToks and marketing around their jobs, many influencers have successfully enhanced their revenue through monetization. However, there has been controversy around teachers filming their students in classroom settings. 

Many teachers, such as Ms. Lattimore (@shelby_thatsmee) and Ms. C. (@buttabella), have gone viral for highlighting their positive relationships with their students in the classroom. Ms. C. is best known for “things my students told me this week” which is a reflection on the hilarious conversations she has had with students throughout the week. On the other hand, Ms. Lattimore often records herself while teaching her students about their hygiene– one video on her page shows her doing one of her students’ hair. These interactions intrigue viewers and often make parents feel less stressed about their children during the school day. However, how much content becomes overbearing? When should teachers put their phones away and engage in intimate conversations with their students? 

During the pandemic, many teachers came to TikTok with complaints about the decline in student performance. When learning shifted strictly online, many students struggled to stay focused in school and were not learning at the desired pace. Now, since online learning has subsided, students have fallen behind rapidly and often need tutors to keep them on track. Knowing this, viewers have criticized teachers for prioritizing filming over teaching students. Many aspiring influencers have filmed themselves scolding students while on livestream. Not only that but many of these teachers have also filmed themselves refusing to continue with their lessons while students engage in conversation. 

Balancing teaching and influencing is an attainable goal, as shown by Ms. Lattimore and Ms. C., but teachers should be more attentive to their students in the classroom. This is especially true in light of the gap in student performance. Would you want your child’s teacher to livestream their learning during school hours? How do you think this affects students’ learning?

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