Brilliant and Dedicated (B.A.D.) teacher Natalie Stuart goes Tik Tok viral

Photo courtesy of (@nattiemeetsworld) Tik Tok

By B.A.D. TCHR

Third-grade teacher and Tik Tok phenomenon Natalie Stuart adopted Jimmy Fallon's belief in being "silly, there's nothing wrong with it," which is instrumental to establishing meaningful connections with her students at Nova Dwight D. Eisenhower Elementary in Davie, FL.

Pairing music, pop culture references, and humor help create the framework for fun-filled learning experiences, and vibrant artwork decorates her classroom walls and the acrylic aficionado's fingernails!

Her meteoric rise to Tik Tok superstardom is a natural progression of her passion for learning and an embrace of innovative technology.

Stuart's Cuban immigrant grandparents are huge inspirations, especially her grandfather, who worked as an accountant on his native soil before pursuing the American dream of life, liberty, and the proverbial pursuit of happiness.

"My grandfather's degree in accounting meant nothing when he arrived in [this] country," she said. In the land of milk and honey, "[He] worked as an ice cream man and factory worker his whole life in the states, and that's why education is important to me."

Though saddled by district and state mandates for schooling and what it should look like, Stuart shrewdly balances her contractual obligations and her students' interests.

"Unapologetically," the 35-year-old rationalizes, "You have to remember you are human as an educator," adding, "It is important for my students to know I don't live beneath my desk. So, when I leave school, get in my car, and turn on the radio, I listen to Cardi B. I love Cardi B! I am a genuine person who understands what they do outside of the classroom and what I do sometimes mirror what they do and listen to."

Nova Elementary and its surrounding feeder pattern have seen a dramatic shift in the student population, making the minorities the majority in recent years.

"When I started teaching 12 years ago, Nova wasn't a Title I school; we are now."

Current student socioeconomic castes prompted Stuart to realize how vital it is to "learn the demographic, understand where students are coming from, and make the necessary changes to meet them where they are but not leave them there," she said.

Stuart understands intangible factors make a huge difference in her ability to connect with her students.

"Teachers must be genuine and intentional when aiming to create a 'holding' space for the shift in demographic. Kids don't care what you know until they know that you care," she said.

Now that they know she cares, Stuart and her students have formed a mutually enriching educational exchange.

"I need to get to know my students; they educate me. I don't know what they face every day. Knowing them allows me to understand what is going on," she said. "One has also to be patient, tolerant of others, take an interest in kids personally, and be willing to help them."

Stuart's transparency is a superpower that helps students relate to her at a deeper level.  Additionally, remembering her childhood difficulties strengthen her connection with her students.

"I was not a great student in elementary. I was in ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) as Spanish is my first language, and it was challenging to master the standards in English. So, I struggled as a kid."

She's also willing to let her students know that adults don't have it all together.

"I always tell my students not to second-guess themselves and always have confidence, but I struggle with that, too. I sometimes second-guess myself. And as an adult, I have my ups and downs like everyone else."

Teaching from such an authentic space means she's sometimes "a mom and a teacher."

"I have to teach manners, online safety, and all these extra things that take away from curriculum and instructional time. I don't mind doing it, but it is more weight to what we have to do in a day," she said.

Money is not her motivation, but she believes the "insulting" pay should certainly be increased significantly.

"Honestly, the worst part of teaching is [we] don't get paid enough. Never in a million years would I think I would be living with my mom because the work I love does not pay me enough to live independently," she vents.

Nevertheless, she's determined to use her role as a teacher to make a difference in her students' lives.

"If there is anything I want my students to know…being one's authentic self is something I highlight every day. We are all different; it is a good thing. Embrace it. Live your life the way you want to live it. Don't allow life's stressors and negativity to change that," she advises.

She reminds her students each day presents new opportunities.

"Sometimes, as teachers, we fail, but what do we do? We go home and reflect on what we can do better tomorrow. It's what B.A.D. (BRILLIANT AND DEDICATED) teachers do."