Top teachers to follow on social media
Follow these teachers to see what teacher life is like, build your community and get inspired.
Author: Kate Moening
Social media isn’t just for dance routines and cat videos. Teachers use Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and Twitter for all kinds of outreach. They advocate for school equity, offer classroom activities, share student shenanigans and more!
Following some educators can give you a sense of what day-to-day teaching is like, build your educator community and spark ideas for lesson plans.
Where to start? Here’s our list of top teachers to follow on social.
Social justice in the classroom
When it comes to writing more inclusive curriculum, it can be tough to know where to start. These educators offer wisdom, guidance and resources.
Vennieta Grant
Vennieta Grant’s work is a masterclass in culturally relevant, anti-racist curriculum. An eighth grade English Language Arts teacher, Vennieta shares discussion prompts and content ideas to help educators bring social justice to their work. She uses her platform to amplify the voices of fellow activists and educators, too.
Follow Vennieta @loveteachrepeat (Instagram, @luvteachretweet on Twitter)
Nate Lyon
Nate Lyon is a fourth grade teacher and LGBTQ educator who uses his platform to make school more welcoming. On Nate’s Insta, you’ll find reflections, prompts and books to incorporate anti-racism, queer issues and gender inclusion into elementary school lessons.
Follow Nate @mr_lyon_4th (Instagram)
Deonna Smith
As an educator, activist, and educational justice coach, Deonna Smith is passionate about creating anti-racist schools. On Deonna's social media, you’ll find a wealth of videos, ideas, tips, and resources to create more supportive and joyful schools.
Follow Deonna @deonnasmith (Instagram, @msdeonnasmith on Twitter)
Shaping the narrative
These leaders are changing the way we think about school equity and how teachers can help students succeed.
Dr. Anael Alston
Dr. Anael Alston is a speaker, writer and former school principal. Follow him on Twitter and stay up-to-date on equity conversations, events for educators and the barriers facing marginalized students and teachers.
Follow Dr. Alston @DrAAlston (Twitter)
Shareefah Mason
Shareefah Mason has won well-deserved recognition for her research, writing and advocacy in Dallas public schools. A Distinguished Teacher in Dallas, Shareefah teaches 12th grade government, and she’s clear-eyed in how schools can better support students of color.
Follow Shareefah @masonmessages (Twitter, @color_ed_blackandbrown on Instagram)
Dena Simmons
As an anti-racist researcher, public speaker and writer, Dena Simmons is a force in education advocacy. Follow Dena (and subscribe to her newsletter!) for sharp analysis and practical tips on how to make schools safer for every student.
Follow Dena @DenaSimmons (Instagram, Twitter)
Subject matter mentors
Looking for curriculum ideas in your specific subject area? See how these teachers bring their classroom vision to life.
Dawnavyn James
Dawnavyn James is a kindergarten teacher with a knack for posts that are encouraging, funny and celebratory—especially when it comes to Black history and culture. Check out Ms. James’s blog and social media for encouragement, entertainment and Black History Club for young historians.
Follow Dawnavyn @queendomteaching (Instagram, Twitter, @dawnahtelloh on TikTok)
Jonte Lee
Chemistry teacher Jonte Lee has made a name for himself in science education. Through public speaking, interviews and science experiment videos, Jonte aims to make STEM less intimidating. His lessons connect science to everyday life, and he hopes he can empower his audience to give science a try.
Follow Jonte @jonterlee (Instagram, Twitter)
Teaching toolkit
Educators LOVE to share resources. Follow these teachers for show-and-tell on book recs, skill-building and job search tips.
Vicki Davis
Vicki Davis is a must-follow for concrete, actionable teaching advice. Her social media posts are full of empathy and support for new and experienced teachers alike, and her 10-Minute Teacher podcast offers bite-sized, specific advice for educators.
Follow Vicki @coolcatteacher (Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, YouTube)
Juan Edgar Gonzalez Jr.
Third grade teacher Juan Edgar Gonzales Jr. is on a mission to make reading more accessible. He’s created an impressive set of activities and book recommendations to help support beginning readers. Juan is also co-owner of Camp Teach and Grow, a summer retreat for educators to connect and learn from one another.
Follow Juan @teaching3rdwithmrg (Instagram, TikTok)
Dr. Sam Fecich
If you’re an aspiring or early-career teacher, Dr. Sam Fecich has your back. Dr. Fecich is an education professor, hosts the EduMagic podcast and has written several books for pre-service and beginning teachers. Her social is chock-full of resources and tips to land your first teaching job—and succeed when you get there.
Follow Dr. Fecich @SFecich (Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest)
Bonus follows
Okay, we couldn’t stop. There are so many amazing educators! Here are a few more accounts we love.
Akiea “Ki” Gross
With tools like Woke Read Alouds and 60 Second Texts, Ki helps educators talk with young kids about everything from gender identity to Black Lives Matter. Follow Ki on social, check out their resources page, and see how they’re transforming early childhood education.
Follow Ki @wokekindergarten (Instagram, YouTube, @AkieaG on Twitter)
Liz Kleinrock
Anti-bias anti-racist educator Liz Kleinrock is changing schools. With informative posts and thoughtful conversations (plus some cute bunny pics!), Liz helps facilitate challenging discussions on topics like race, religion and school culture. Follow her and check out her website for articles, lesson plans, reading recs and more.
Follow Liz @teachandtransform (Instagram, @teachntransform on Twitter)
Angela Watson
Teachers know what it’s like to feel over-scheduled and stretched thin — but you don’t have to do it alone. Angela Watson’s social media and Truth for Teachers podcast offer encouragement and support, so you can prioritize your own needs and still be the teacher you want to be.