Why Remembering Our Local Heroes Matters: Keeping Their Stories Alive

How Joey Hall Transforms Lunch Into TikTok Fame, Engaging 2.2M Followers

Update Meet Joey Hall: The Teacher Turning Food Reviews Into Classroom Connections In a world where social media reigns supreme, Lehi High School’s Joey Hall stands out with a unique blend of teaching and creativity. By day, he is a devoted social studies teacher, shaping young minds with lessons that resonate far beyond the classroom. But during lunch breaks and after school, he transforms into a TikTok sensation, amassing an impressive 2.2 million followers as he entertains and engages his audience with food reviews ordered by his students. From Reluctance to Recognition: The Birth of a TikTok Teacher Hall's journey into social media began in 2019 at the encouragement of his students. Initially skeptical, he uploaded his first video and, shortly thereafter, went viral with a staggering 1.1 million views in just two weeks. His catchy content, which found a humorous yet educational twist on food reviews, quickly won the hearts of viewers. By utilizing TikTok as a platform, Hall not only connects with his students but also ensures they see him as a relatable figure, breaking down barriers that often exist in traditional teacher-student dynamics. Building Bridges Through Food: A Classroom Connection At the center of his TikTok success are the engaging food reviews that Hall creates. Whenever a student orders his meal via DoorDash, Hall gamely rates the culinary experience with a teacher's flair, combining humor with genuine reactions. This creative approach fosters a sense of community and dialogue among students, encouraging them to participate actively in their learning experience. Instead of viewing him purely as an educator, students start to see Hall as a friend and mentor, someone who understands their world. Balancing Act: Three Jobs and a Passion for Teaching Despite his rising fame and income from social media, Hall remains steadfast in his commitment to teaching. He has stated emphatically that he has no intentions of leaving the classroom despite making more money from TikTok. His love for teaching and connection with students are paramount. He effectively manages his time, making each endeavor distinct in focus: teaching, coaching lacrosse, and content creation all serve different facets of his life while keeping family a priority. Teaching Through TikTok: Fostering Critical Thinking Hall utilizes his platform not just for entertainment but as a means of instruction as well. He encourages critical thinking and media literacy by integrating social media discussions into his classroom. This innovative approach not only equips students with the tools to navigate the digital world but also underscores the importance of discernment when consuming information online. Educators like Hall demonstrate how social media can enrich the educational experience when used thoughtfully. Creating Impact: More Than Just Numbers Beyond the likes and views, Hall cherishes the meaningful connections that flourish through his videos. Parents have expressed their appreciation during conferences, and students share personal stories of how his videos resonate with their lives. For Hall, these moments highlight the true value of his online presence — creating a shared space for laughter, learning, and connection, particularly during challenging times. In a world where teachers often go unnoticed, Joey Hall’s courage to embrace social media while focusing on being a dedicated educator shines bright. His story serves as a reminder that teaching can take many forms, and sometimes the classroom extends far beyond four walls.