From sharing lesson notes to inspiring a global audience, Tr. Cillah's TikTok journey demonstrates how education can thrive beyond the classroom

What inspired you to start creating educational content on TikTok?

My journey on TikTok began when I started creating content to help me remember previous lessons and anything new we had learned in class. Since I couldn’t dance or sing, I decided to share educational content on TikTok, where I received great feedback and engagement from teachers, students, and others who appreciated and learned from my posts. This positive response inspired me to create more content, as I realized that through TikTok, I could reach a wider audience—not only in Kenya, but globally, by sharing my educational material.

What role do you think platforms like TikTok play in shaping modern education and providing accessible learning opportunities?

TikTok provides a platform where people can learn from one another. While others learn from my content, I also grow through their feedback. This has helped foster a broader community, like the Tr. Cillah community, which brings together parents and those who are passionate about educational content—and I absolutely love that!

What’s the most unexpected thing you’ve learned from your followers or viewers?

Surprisingly, my viewers appreciate authenticity more than high-quality videos shot in curated environments with perfect ambiance. My classroom may not be the best, but people have embraced the school and the class. They love the students, whether their English is perfect or not, whether they speak Kiswahili or not—they still love us!

How do you balance entertainment and education in your videos, and do you think it’s important to keep that balance for learning to be effective?

Number one, the core purpose of going to school is to learn, and this is my top priority. Number two, learning can be boring without entertainment. My strategy is to make learning easy, fun, and entertaining. I use entertainment as both a bonus and a reward, creating memorable experiences.

@tr.cillah Mastyle kama kawaida ni deadly deadly😂😂🤣🤣.... #trcillah #kids #kidsoftiktok #backtoschool #teachersoftiktok #happygirl ♬ original sound - Tr Cillah

What is one heartwarming message you've received from your community on TikTok that made you smile and motivated to keep creating educational content?

I receive a lot of great feedback. Here are some highlights that keep me motivated and inspired to create more classroom and project video content:

  • My child didn’t understand multiplication, but you’ve made it fun, and now they can do it by heart. 
  • My child couldn’t read, but because of you, now they can.
  • My child didn’t like going to school, but because of you, they do now.
  • When adults tell me I’m helping heal their childhood traumas.
@tr.cillah TABLE NIIIINEEE!!!CILLLAHBUSS!! #trcillah #teachersoftiktok #myhappyplace #mathematics ♬ original sound - Tr Cillah

What advice would you give to other creators who want to make a positive impact through education on platforms like TikTok?

I always say, don’t try to be Teacher Cillah. You can’t be Teacher Cillah, and I can’t be you. If you discover your niche or uniqueness, embrace it, because that’s what will work best for you. Also, don’t create content just for the sake of making money, because this will only lead to struggle. Finally, create content from the heart—it comes with its rewards if you are patient and consistent.