​From Lecterns to Likes

Why This Educator is going into social media and why every educator should be doing the same. 

I never envisioned that my career in education would lead me to actively pursue the role of a social media influencer. Had someone suggested this path to me even two years ago, I would have laughed it off. I create schools in real life; not dance online. Not only would I inform you that I lack time for such "frivolity,"  I would have never engaged out of fear of ridicule from my peers. Academia fancies itself in “ivory towers,” where  this little thing called “social media” is for the "average," not for us scholars. 

Yet, here I am, actively trying to become an influencer—which at 45 years old has been more than a steep learning curve, but I’m doing it because as an educator, I must master this skill. My job requires it as the line between educator and “influencer” has become increasingly blurred. 

Both educators and influencers seem to share a common goal: to communicate messages that educate and inspire future behavior. Whether teaching "how to divide decimals" or demonstrating a "nightly skin routine," both seek to capture the audience's attention, make them care to process the information, and even apply it to better their lives—be it calculating percentages on a bill or buying a skincare product to reduce pores.

When educators (rightfully so) push back against this comparison, they often argue that educators have "credentials" and are therefore a more trusted source and therefore cannot be compared to a mere “influencer.”  And while this educator wants this to be true, the data seems to tell another story. 

Consider these statistics:

• 41% of teachers report using social media in their classrooms for learning methods.

• 90% of college students worldwide use social media as an academic resource.

• 73% of students collaborate with classmates via social media across various devices.

• 70% of K-12 teachers utilize social media for academic purposes.

• 65% of college professors incorporate social media into their teaching.

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These figures underscore the profound impact social media has on educational methodologies, learning resources, and student engagement.

However, there is one major difference I can point to when it comes to educators and influencers.

 R...E..A..C.H

Traditionally, a teacher might engage with a classroom of 28 high school students, while an influencer has the potential to reach thousands, if not millions, globally. This shift prompts a critical question: who holds greater sway in driving change?

The rise of "edu-influencers"—educators who leverage social media platforms to share insights, resources, and pedagogical strategies—has transformed the educational landscape. These individuals have amassed significant followings, and shared their messages with both teachers and students. 

While venturing into the realm of social media influence was never on my professional bingo card. This old dog needs to learn some new tricks, because that is my job. I’m an educator and I have major competition for the attention of my students. If you can’t beat them…JOIN THEM. 

Please click, link, subscribe, and follow along, because I’m going to be taught the most important lesson I know.  It’s actually quite simple. 

One equation. 

N = 1.