When a teacher shared a delightfully absurd yearbook photo on her Instagram, it stopped my scroll—and I wasn’t the only one captivated. Her post has garnered significant attention, resonating deeply with educators everywhere.
In her words: “Each year, my goal is simple: teach the lessons, make them laugh, and take one completely absurd yearbook photo that no one will ever forget, because joy matters. Years later, when my students return as college kids, they don’t talk about grades or projects, they talk about my silly yearbook photo. I want my students to know that school can be full of laughter, memories, and even a bit of chaos.”
This heartfelt message struck a chord with me, prompting a desire to learn more about the inspiring teacher behind the photo. Meet Jere Chang, a gifted-education teacher whose Instagram and other social media platforms radiate the same warmth and enthusiasm that have endeared her to thousands. Here’s my Q&A with her.
Where do you teach and how long have you been a teacher?
I teach gifted education at Drew Charter School in Atlanta, Georgia, and I’ve been in the classroom for over 20 years. My teaching journey has included everything from kindergarten to college, encompassing ESOL, general education, and currently, gifted education for 1st through 3rd grades.
When did you start taking funny yearbook photos? How many do you have now?
I began this tradition about 10 years ago when I realized that teachers could either dread picture day or embrace it. What started as a joke has now become an annual tradition.
Do you have a favorite photo that you’ve taken?
My favorite is the first one I took, featuring my glasses, wild hair, an exuberant smile, and a pink plaid shirt. It’s the photo that most former students rave about.
Do you have a special memory of a student who came up to you years later and shared how they remembered your photo?
Absolutely! A former student once returned from college and said, “Ms. Chang, I still show people your yearbook pictures when they ask who my favorite teacher was.” That meant the world to me. While the photo may have prompted laughter, what they truly remembered was the atmosphere of our classroom.
What’s your “why” for teaching?
I teach because I understand what it’s like to dislike school, and I want my students to experience the opposite. I aim for them to laugh, feel valued, and believe that they belong just as they are.
How do you hope your students will remember you years from now?
I hope they remember me as the teacher who made learning enjoyable, who believed in them wholeheartedly, and who reminded them that joy and curiosity are intertwined.
It’s a tough time right now to be a teacher. Do you have any words of wisdom or support to offer other teachers?
Always take care of yourself. You cannot pour from an empty cup, but you can refill it with laughter, community, and kindness towards yourself. We’re shaping lives, not just meeting data targets.
What’s a tip you have to keep the joy in teaching?
Incorporate joy into your daily routine. Play quick games, celebrate random holidays, or kick off class with a silly question. The more joy you intentionally create, the more it will flourish naturally. Don’t let veteran teachers dull your fresh ideas—bring your energy and enthusiasm as we pass the torch. Kids today deserve the best of us, so don’t allow others or data to dictate your journey.
What else should we know about you?
Outside of teaching, I’m a national speaker and digital content creator with over 4 million followers, sharing stories that celebrate educators and authentic classrooms. I’ve just completed my first book, set to release in May 2026. It’s a two-part work tracing my evolution from a struggling student to a thriving educator, offering practical strategies and heartfelt stories to help teachers reignite joy and purpose in their classrooms. I reside in Atlanta, Georgia, with my wife and our two sons.
