In the small town of Paw Paw, Michigan, this fifth-grade teacher eats lunch in the cafeteria every day with his students.
He's turned lunchtime into a special moment of connection and community. Meet Dan Shutes, who's been doing this for the last eight years. His routine has become a cherished tradition at his school. He brings his homemade lunch to the cafeteria every day and joins his fifth-grade students.
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Dan Started Eating With His Students Eight Years Ago
Dan started this tradition eight years ago, quickly becoming a beloved part of his day. "I didn't expect a bunch of kids to say, ‘Hey, can you eat lunch with me tomorrow?'" Dan shared. "But that's how it's been." Now, you can find him in the lunchroom up to four times a week, mingling with his students and making the most of these precious moments.
For Dan, lunchtime is more than just taking a break when he could catch up on emails, create lesson plans, and grade papers. He sees it as an opportunity to connect with his students on a personal level.
"It's a priority for me," he said. "I think it's an easy way to get to know your students beyond just names and test scores." By sitting with his students, he can understand them better, build trust, and make his classroom a welcoming place. He gets to know them, what they like to do, what they don't like about school, and much more.
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Dan Moves From Table to Table
During lunch, Dan moves from table to table, ensuring he spends time with several students, not just the kids in his class because it makes them feel seen and heard.
"Sometimes, students from other classes that I don't actually teach will ask if they can sit with me," he commented. "I try to find time to do that too. It's nice to connect with kids who aren't in my classes but who I see every morning as they walk down the hallway."
Dan's dedication has not only touched the lives of his students but also inspired teachers far beyond his hometown. He's shared his story on social media, and teachers from other states and even worldwide have been inspired by his act of kindness through spending free time at lunch with students.
Dan Has Created a Lasting Impact
Dan's simple yet profound act of caring and sharing lunch with his students has created a lasting impact. It's a reminder of the difference that a little extra time and attention can make in a child's life. In the heart of his school, Dan has turned lunchtime into a powerful tool for connection and encouragement, and his story continues to inspire others to make their own small, meaningful changes in the classroom.
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Proverbs 1:5 “Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.”
WATCH: This 5th Grade Teacher Eats Lunch In the Cafeteria Every Day
@danshutes It’s all about making our students feel important… #teacher #teachersoftiktok #teacherlife #school #students #fyp ♬ Night Trouble – Petit Biscuit
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h/t: People
Featured Image Credit: TikTok/danshutes