Teacher Goes Viral For Revealing Why He Always Eats Lunch With His Students In The Cafeteria

Every day for lunch, Dan Shutes, a teacher from Paw Paw, Michigan, enjoys a unique meal (chicken and rice), and he has stood out for it. Shutes shares his meal with his students in the cafeteria.

He goes to the lunchroom with his fifth-grade class and the other fifth-graders at his school almost every day. This custom was initiated a few years ago by the 32-year-old, who has been a teacher for over 11 years.

“I didn’t expect a bunch of kids to say, ‘Hey, can you eat lunch with me tomorrow?’ or ‘Can you eat lunch with me the next day?’ But that’s how it’s been,” Shutes tells PEOPLE exclusively. “I eat lunch in the cafeteria definitely three to four times a week.”

Shutes went on to say that this has become something he enjoys, and it has become part of his routine, especially at the beginning of the year. In fact, it has become a priority for this educator.

“I think it’s an easy way to get to know your students beyond just names and test scores from the previous year,” he continues. Shutes' class is divided into three groups for lunch.

The educator moves from table to table each day, and sometimes, he goes to his teaching partner's class to dine with them. 

Dan Shutes started his special lunchtime routine a few years into his role

Teacher Dan Shutes

“Sometimes, students from other classes that I don’t actually teach will ask if they can sit with me, and I try to find time to do that too,” he continues. “Whether they’re siblings of former students or I’ve just seen them in passing and gotten to know them over time, it’s nice to connect with kids who aren’t in my classes but whom I see every morning as they walk down the hallway.”

Dr. Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist, notes that informal interactions outside the classroom can significantly enhance learning experiences. He argues that these moments allow educators to understand students' needs better, thereby tailoring their teaching methods more effectively.

Moreover, fostering an open dialogue during lunch breaks encourages students to express their concerns and ideas. This practice not only builds trust but also helps educators identify potential issues early on. As Dr. Grant suggests, creating opportunities for such interactions can lead to a more engaged and motivated classroom.

The positive comments are especially nice to hear

Teacher Dan Shutes

Shutes recently shared a video about his lunchtime ritual on TikTok. As of now, the video has received 380k views and close to 2k comments. He believes it's wonderful to know that he's encouraging educators to have lunch with their students not just in other states but even internationally.

“Of course, you occasionally see negative remarks too. I guess it’s a good reminder that there will always be people who disagree or have a problem with what you’re doing,” he says. “Overall, it’s been cool, and I’m appreciative to have a platform that allows my video to reach so many people. The positive comments are especially nice to hear.”

They often appreciate these gestures far more than we realize

Teacher Dan Shutes

The Power of Teacher-Student Relationships

Dr. Pasi Sahlberg, an education expert, asserts that "the quality of relationships between teachers and students is fundamental to effective learning." When educators like Dan Shutes opt to share lunch with their students, it cultivates a sense of community and belonging, which is essential for students’ emotional and academic success. Research indicates that such interactions can significantly enhance student engagement and motivation, as children feel appreciated and supported. This perspective is echoed by Dr. John Hattie, an education researcher, who notes on his website, Visible Learning, that "nurturing environments are key to achieving better academic outcomes."

“I have kids come back and say hello, or greet me at football games or in the grocery store when they see me,” he says. “I also see students who start the school year a bit shy or reserved, and if eating lunch with them helps them come out of their shell or grow more confident, then that small act of simply sharing lunch can end up being quite significant by the end of the year.”

Shutes has many happy memories of his cafeteria meals, but one in particular stands out.

Find out as you watch the full TikTok video below

Shutes says that if he were to distill this into one central message, it would be this: "teachers, educators, and coaches shouldn’t underestimate the impact of the little things — the small deeds we do for our students. He also added that the kids often appreciate these gestures far more than we realize.

Practical Steps for Healing

Incorporating the practice of sharing meals with students can create a profound impact on the educational experience. Research by the American Psychological Association indicates that positive relationships with educators can lead to enhanced academic performance and emotional well-being. By prioritizing these interactions, teachers can foster an environment where students feel safe and valued. As noted by Dr. Kelly McGonigal, emphasizing connection and community is essential for both student and teacher success. Small, consistent actions like having lunch together can significantly enhance the educational landscape.