Janalyn Tuazon-King is not only following her father’s career path as a teacher but also shares a unique tradition with him by wearing matching outfits to school. This father-daughter duo, both teaching the same grade, celebrates their bond through this joyful practice.
Upon seeing their coordinated outfits in social media videos, we were curious to learn more. Here’s a Q&A with Janalyn. Don’t forget to visit her Instagram for more outfit ideas.
Q: How long have you and your dad been teachers, and what grades and subjects do you teach?
My dad is in his 34th year of teaching! He currently teaches 4th grade, a grade he has taught for much of his career. Besides 4th grade, he’s taught 1st and 5th grades and has also coached basketball and badminton at his school.
I am at the beginning of my teaching career, now in my fifth year. I previously taught a grade 4/5 split for four years, and this year I am teaching grade 5 exclusively. Like my dad, I also coach basketball!
Q: Growing up, what was it like watching your dad teach?
I’ve spent a lot of time in my dad’s classroom since childhood. My siblings and I were students at the same school where he taught. I recall visiting his 5th grade class when I was younger, and it always seemed like he and his students were having a wonderful time together.
While waiting for him to finish work after school wasn’t always thrilling, it helped me respect the effort teachers put in. There wasn’t a specific moment when I decided to follow in his footsteps; rather, it was a gradual appreciation for all he has done for his students and their families over the years.
Q: What ultimately inspired you to become a teacher yourself?
The simple answer is that my dad inspired me to become a teacher.
Reflecting on my career options toward the end of high school, I wanted a job that made a difference. Witnessing the positive impacts my dad had as a teacher, along with hearing numerous stories about it, ultimately inspired me to pursue teaching.
Q: How has your dad influenced your teaching style or philosophy today?
My dad has consistently highlighted the importance of nurturing positive relationships with students and their families, which I strive to do in my teaching. This approach lays the groundwork for effectively supporting all students, not just those who already enjoy school.
He also stresses the value of building good rapport with colleagues. Whether it’s by offering a compliment, providing a listening ear, or giving advice, he invests time in supporting his fellow teachers. I have adopted these practices in my own teaching philosophy.
Q: You and your dad are getting a lot of attention for dressing alike. How did this first start?
We took inspiration from Nicola Sanchez (on TikTok and Instagram) and her dad, who have a series called “What My Dad and I Wore to Teach 5th Grade and High School This Week.” We wanted to create our own version.
Given our extensive clothing collections, I suggested we wear matching outfits. Initially unsure if my dad would agree, I was delighted when a colleague encouraged us to try it in the comments of our videos. My dad loved the idea, and we’ve been coordinating outfits every other week since then!
Q: What goes into planning one of your matching-outfit posts? Do you brainstorm themes together, or is it more spontaneous?
It varies by week. When I visit my parents for dinner on the weekend, we often explore his wardrobe together to plan. Sometimes, if there’s something I want to wear, I’ll reach out to him via text or video call, and he adjusts his outfit accordingly.
Lately, he’s been sending me a picture of his outfit each night, and I strive to match it.
Q: What’s been one of your favorite matching looks so far?
One of my favorites was on the second day of our regional teachers’ convention in Alberta. We wore red outfits with “Canada” on them to support our nation during the Olympics.
Another favorite includes our outfits with shades of purple, which seemed to come together beautifully.
Q: How has sharing this father-daughter teaching bond impacted your relationship?
It’s certainly increased our communication, especially during weeks we coordinate outfits. We enjoy planning outfits when I visit home and having a fun, positive moment each school day when filming our videos. Teaching can be tough, so having something in our routine that makes us smile is a wonderful addition to our days!
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