Meet TikTok’s Favourite Teacher
He’s got luscious hair and 1.8 million followers on TikTok, but Mr Luke is most proud of the impact his teaching has on the next generation
In Partnership with the Australian Government
Coffee, hair care, nail painting and a conversation with plant babies: that’s how primary school teacher and internet sensation, Luke Springer (also known as Mr Luke), starts each day before going in to “teach tiny humans” at his school in Adelaide, South Australia.
When he’s not kneeling on the carpet floor of his classroom, helping captivated students with spelling and reading, Luke is creating funny, educational videos that both kids and parents love. Actually, love is perhaps an understatement – it’s safe to say they’re obsessed.
He’s gained 1.8M followers on TikTok (and over 800K on Instagram) with videos about the ins and outs of being a teacher, even reenacting relatable scenarios, like trying to teach a 5-year-old about active listening or gently supporting students who get adorably exhausted at school.
And one thing is clear from scrolling through Mr Luke’s videos: he was born to be a teacher.
They show the inside of a classroom from the teacher’s POV that we often don’t get to see. Luke’s got this gentle demeanour, infectious energy and nurturing style that instantly makes students feel safe and understood. “When you find the thing you’re meant to do, life is pretty good,” he says with a huge smile.
With the goal of making a lasting positive impact on his students’ lives, Mr Luke is all about showing the power of meaningful connections and positive masculinity within the teaching world.
In a recent interview with Rolling Stone AU/NZ, one of the internet’s favourite teachers shares how to ‘Be That Teacher’ and reveals the mementos he keeps to remind himself why he loves what he does.
A Calling Beyond the Classroom
For Mr Luke, teaching isn’t just a job but a calling. He speaks of his profession with an attitude that’s both infectious and inspiring. “I am so passionate about what I do,” he shares. “It’s hard to put into words how much I love my job. And that’s why I know I’m doing what I should be doing.”
“Finding your passion in your day-to-day career makes everything so cool,” Mr Luke says, reflecting on the purpose he finds in his daily interactions with students and the satisfaction that comes from knowing he is in the right place, doing what he loves most.
“I get really excited coming to school every day. I get really excited that I get to, hopefully, make that positive impact in my students’ lives.”
The Power of Teaching the Next Generation
Many of us grew up perceiving the role of a teacher as imparting knowledge; they were there to help us remember, pass exams and, let’s be honest, keep us in line. But in 2024, it goes much deeper.
Teachers like Mr Luke are dedicated to igniting curiosity, fostering a love for learning, and nurturing the young minds that will shape our future. “We’re trying our best to really form these little guys into the best version of themselves,” he says.
“We get to be that educator to help them not only academic[ally], but also their social and emotional wellbeing and help them kind of build and foster that as much as possible. So we know that we’re helping them be the best person that they can be across all those aspects of their life.”
A Day in the Life of a Teacher
Being a teacher can look different day-to-day, depending on the kids they’re interacting with. But for Mr Luke, it always has to start with coffee. “Obviously there’s coffee – 100%, because that’s teacher life,” he laughs. “It’s also a time to sit, reflect, [and] kind of map out the day and what’s about to come.”
Then it’s time to head to school. “Once we get to school, it’s ready, set, go. Our day is spent really engaging the kids, particularly the younger ones,” he says. “So once you’re at school, it’s ‘go’ time – your energy has to be there.”
Finding Connection with Students
According to Mr Luke, educators have a huge responsibility to connect with their students. “I would say relationships are the biggest part of being a teacher,” he says.
One powerful way Luke does this is by being a positive male role model. “I think it’s really important that my students see positive masculinity at school and in the classroom. I want to be able to show my students that males can be caring and males can be that positive, nurturing role.”
How does he create this deeper connection? Each year, Mr Luke introduces a badge that represents that year’s class, which he keeps framed in his classroom. “It’s a fun way to represent that we’re a little crew,” he explains.
Not only does this memento create a sense of belonging for the kids, it also serves as a token of what Luke has learned from them and a reminder of why he does what he does. As the years go by, Mr Luke’s collection of framed badges will grow, along with his positive impact.
Watch our video with Mr Luke and learn about becoming a teacher in Australia at BeThatTeacher.gov.au. Already a teacher? Share your own story in the Online Teacher Gallery.
