When a teacher posted a ridiculous yearbook photo on her Instagram, my scrolling stopped — and apparently, I wasn’t the only one. Her post received widespread attention and resonated with educators.
She wrote: “Every year, my goals are simple: teach a class, make them laugh, and take a completely ridiculous yearbook photo that no one will forget because fun is important. Years later, when my students come back as college students, they won’t talk about grades or projects, they will talk about my silly yearbook photos. I want my students to know that school can be filled with laughter, memories, and even a little chaos.”
This quote resonated so strongly with me that I wanted to know more about the teacher behind the photo. Jere Chang is a gifted education teacher whose Instagram and all of her social media feeds are filled with the same energy and love that has won the support of thousands of people. Here’s my Q&A with her.
Where do you teach? How long have you been a teacher?
I teach gifted education at Drew Charter School in Atlanta, Georgia, where I have been in the classroom for over 20 years. I have taught all classes from kindergarten through college, including ESOL, general education, and currently first through third grade gifted education.
When did you start taking fun yearbook photos? How many do you have now?
I started this event about ten years ago when I realized teachers either feared paint day or had it. It started as a joke but has now become a tradition.
Do you have a favorite photo you’ve ever taken?
My favorite was my first one with glasses, wild hair, a big smile, and a pink plaid shirt. This is something most former students rave about.
Do you have a special memory of the students who came up to you years later and shared photos of how they remembered you?
Yes! One of my former students came back from college and said, “Ms. Zhang, when people ask me who my favorite teacher was, I still show them your yearbook photo.” That meant the world to me. The photo may be funny, but what they will really remember is the feel of our classroom.
What is your “why” for teaching?
I teach because I know what it’s like to hate school, and I want my students to feel the opposite. I want them to laugh, feel seen, and believe they belong.
How do you hope your students will remember you years from now?
I hope they remember me as a teacher who made learning fun, had confidence in them, and reminded them that joy and curiosity go hand in hand.
These are tough times to be a teacher. Do you have any words of wisdom or support you can offer other teachers?
Remember to take care of yourself. You can’t pour from an empty cup, but you can infuse yourself with laughter, community, and grace. We are shaping lives, not just data targets.
What are your tips for keeping teaching fun?
Incorporate joy into your daily life. Play a quick game, celebrate a random holiday, or start class with a silly question. The more happiness you consciously create, the more it will grow naturally. Don’t let an experienced teacher invalidate your new ideas. Bringing all new energy with us as we pass the torch to you. Today’s kids deserve the best from us, so don’t let other people and/or data design your journey.
What else should we know about you?
Outside of school, I am a national speaker and digital content creator with over 4 million followers, sharing stories that celebrate teachers and real classrooms. I just finished my first book, which will be published in May 2026. This two-part book traces my journey from struggling student to thriving educator, then offers practical strategies and heartwarming stories to help teachers rediscover joy and purpose in the classroom. I live in Atlanta, Georgia with my wife and two sons.
You can find all the links on Ms. Cheng’s website here.
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