When it comes to Instagram influencers, you’re likely picturing young celebrities promoting the latest hot trend. But there’s another group that’s spending time exerting influence over young people on social media: teachers. They’ve mastered the art of connecting virtually, according to new research from MDR.
Teachers aren’t surfing mindlessly, though; they’re using social media to enhance their professional development, share exciting classroom ideas and materials, and shop for school supplies. Nearly 80% of teachers spend between 15 minutes and one hour each day on Instagram during the week, and the majority spend even more time there on weekends. They have no plans to let up, either: 44% predict they’ll increase their social use within the next two years.
Many of these teachers started out as “teacher bloggers,” but most became Insta-famous through Teachers Pay Teachers, an online platform that allows teachers to sell classroom resources they’ve created, such as worksheets and bulletin board decor.
By promoting their Teachers Pay Teachers products on Instagram with hashtags such as #TeachersOfInstagram and #TeacherLife, as well as sharing classroom tips and snapshots, these teachers acquire tens of thousands of followers. Many even exceed the 100,000 follower mark.
As a result of pumping out teaching tips, reflections and resources online, such individuals might find themselves being asked to run professional development days for other schools, present at education conferences and trade shows, and increasingly being feted as a “thought leader” among their peers. The most successful might eventually end up running their own sideline consultancies, juggling lucrative speaking gigs, and perhaps even writing books and making regular media appearances.
Members of Gen Alpha (born in 2010 and after) are on track to be more educated than their Millennial parents, and they tend to sway those parents when it comes to purchasing tech. Getting their approval — and, therefore, their parents’ approval — could provide a boost for any brand.
Besides, it’s wise to move away from traditional marketing and advertising tactics when trying to reach a younger audience. Kids aren’t watching TV; they’re interacting with Alexa and diving into videos and games on their devices. Classroom teachers active on Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat — where Gen Z spends quite a bit of time — can introduce brands to their audiences in fresh, authentic ways.
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