Today we’d like to introduce you to Deidre Kelly.
Hi Deidre, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m a 6th-grade math teacher at Polly Ryon Middle School in Richmond, Texas. I have been teaching 6th-grade math for 10 years. I joined TikTok in 2020 when the pandemic hit and was looking for a way to reach my students outside of virtual learning. I would make short math videos for them over the topics we were learning and other teacher-related videos. I was mainly making these videos for my students but before I knew it, some of my videos would go viral and I would gain lots of followers and now I’m at 1.5 million followers. I was not only helping my students but many others around the world. I knew this because I would have comments in different languages and I could tell they were communicating about math. I would receive messages from parents thanking me for posting math videos so they can help their children while we were all at home. Adults would also reach out to me saying I helped them pass their GED or exams they were taking, because they needed those basic math skills. There is a whole teacher TikTok community that we all grow, uplift and get new ideas from each other. I love that I am able to reach out and help so many people with math and engaging ideas for the classroom.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
There were a few struggles along the way with the pandemic and not being face-to-face anymore. Once the new year started for the 2020-2021 school year, everyone was wearing masks and was stressed with the thoughts of catching Covid. My campus did an excellent job making sure we had a system in place where we were being safe and also making sure our 6th graders were having fun. My son was a 6th grader that year and claims that it was the best year he ever had in school, not knowing there was so many more activities he would have had.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a 6th-grade math teacher at Polly Ryon MS.
I’m known for being “TikTok famous” as my 6th graders would say.
I’m most proud that I’m able to help so many people with math and make it in a less complex way. Math is hard for some and does not come easy, so I love that I am able to help so many.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
I learned to stay positive and uplift others during trying times. I’m thankful and grateful that nothing happened to me or anyone I am close to. So I just wanted to stay positive and be a light for my students because I knew some needed it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_mrs.kelly/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_mrskelly
