By Talia Nochumson
It’s finally here! I’m thrilled to share my latest academic article, a true passion project completed independently post-doctorate. This study dives deep into an evolving and sometimes controversial topic: How K-12 teachers are using TikTok for professional learning—a phenomenon that’s reshaping the way educators share ideas, refine their craft, and connect with students.
What Are Teachers Learning on TikTok?
Teachers aren’t just scrolling for entertainment—they’re learning. My research highlights how educators are using TikTok to:
Discover new teaching strategies – From classroom management hacks to creative lesson ideas, TikTok serves as an endless stream of inspiration.
Connect with students – By engaging with the same platform their students love, teachers build stronger relationships. For example, one teacher with a disability became more confident discussing it with students after seeing other teachers with disabilities model how they talked to their students about having a disability.
Stay current – Trends in education, edtech tools, and even professional development tips are shared in bite-sized videos that are easy to absorb and revisit. A teacher described her use of TikTok to learn new ideas to incorporate with her students as “a more ‘modern’ take on education. It was related to the world as they know it.”
Why TikTok Works for Teachers
One of TikTok’s biggest advantages is its short-form video format. Teachers are busy, and traditional professional development may not meet teachers’ needs. TikTok’s quick, digestible content allows teachers to pick up ideas that are pertinent to their teaching. The ability to rewatch videos makes it even easier to implement new techniques into their classrooms at their own pace.
The Need for Caution
While TikTok offers many benefits, my research stresses a cautionary approach since there are numerous “edu-celebrities/edu-influencers” whose goal is to make money by pushing trends. Therefore, the content may not necessarily be of high quality.
Not all content is of high quality or reliable – Teaching is complex, not all lessons can be one-sized fits all. TikToks may be good starting points for idea generation, but teachers need to dig deeper. Likewise, misinformation spreads easily, so educators should critically evaluate information before implementing ideas.
The comparison trap may be real – Seeing seemingly “perfect” classrooms and flawless lesson plans can lead to feelings of inadequacy. It’s important to remember that social media often showcases the positive moments, not the challenges.
Why This Research Matters
Professional learning isn’t just happening in formal PD sessions—it’s happening literally in the palm of our hands. It’s important to recognize that educators are implementing new ideas into their teaching. This is important for school leaders, teacher educators and policymakers to be aware of and to provide teachers with adequate support as they continue to apply their learning from social media, especially TikTok, in their teaching.
On Education 
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