Local & Community
Cathedral City Teacher Becomes Social Media Sensation by Revolutionizing the Classroom
In the age of YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, one Cathedral City teacher is proving that education can go viral for all the right reasons. Shane Frakes, a seventh-grade teacher at Workman Middle School, has become an unexpected social media influencer, captivating both his students and a growing online audience.
Frakes believes that learning shouldn’t be confined to textbooks or final exams. Instead, he’s bringing energy and creativity into his classroom, challenging students with real-world projects like creating and pitching a mobile arcade business. His hands-off, discussion-driven approach encourages participation and excitement, making his lessons feel more like interactive experiences than traditional lectures.
But Frakes’ influence extends far beyond the classroom walls. As the creator of “Seventh Grade Chronicles,” he’s amassed over 15,000 followers on Instagram and an astonishing 119,000 on TikTok. His content often starts with a simple, thought-provoking question—like “What do teachers love to say?”—and features candid, humorous student responses. The result is a feed that’s both entertaining and relatable, resonating with students and families alike.
Students say Frakes’ passion for teaching and his willingness to meet them where they are—on social media—makes learning engaging and meaningful. For many, being featured on his popular accounts is the ultimate recognition.
By blending modern technology with high expectations, Shane Frakes is showing that great teaching is about connection, creativity, and capturing the attention of the next generation—both in the classroom and online.
By: NBC Palm Springs
May 1, 2025
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