This High School Teacher Is Passionate About Working With Students Considered "Too Difficult"

Ahead of the 2024 school year, PS's The Educators is spotlighting 24 public school teachers around the country who are making a difference.

Jirah Ligon is an English teacher at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL. She's garnered over one million followers on TikTok, where she brings humor to the realities of being a teacher and often reenacts hilarious interactions in her classroom. She has seven years of teaching experience. Keep reading to get to know her.

What inspired you to be a teacher?
I have always had the passion to work with teenagers because of how I grew up financially and emotionally challenged by my surroundings. My mother taught us the keys to overcoming, and it lit my fire to help others in my position. Ironically enough, I had such a strong passion for working with students who are full of personality, hyper, challenging, and what some other teachers may consider "too difficult to work with."

Everything that I've done and who I am was birthed out of hardships, challenges, and my own personal struggles — such as growing up without a father, being a low-income family, and [being] emotionally challenged by my surroundings.

What's the most rewarding part of your job?
Experiencing the students grow over the years and graduating! I also love walking them through their life challenges and stepping in their world with them to make them feel safe and understand that they're not the only one going through it.

Who was your favorite teacher and why?
My favorite teacher was my chemistry teacher Mr. Bullard. He was engaging, he held us to a standard while teaching fun lessons, and he had such awesome words of wisdom.

What's your go-to teaching uniform?
I love fashion! I believe as a teacher when you look good, you will definitely teach and engage with your students better. My go-to is heels, palazzo pants, and a beautiful blouse.

What do you always make time for because it makes you feel good?
I always make time to meditate and spend time in my spiritual life. It keeps me very balanced.

What's your morning routine on a school day?
My morning routine is hectic depending on the day! But typically, I do my morning hygiene. My hair takes the longest, so I will wake up an hour early to make sure it's the way I want it. Then I get dressed, fill up my Stanley cup, and I'm out the door. Next, I go to my class, get the atmosphere right with soft music, fill out my objectives and goals on the board, and do some morning duties such as making copies, checking emails, etc.

How do you practice self-care?
OK! This is my favorite! I like getting a great mani and pedi with an ice cream run afterwards. I also love taking trips and going to sit by the ocean.

What are you watching?
I'm currently watching a show on Netflix called "Supacell."

What are you reading?
I'm currently reading the Bible.

What's your fitness routine?
I love taking 30-minute walks when I can.

How do you keep from getting sick during the school year?
I have to have personal space. I keep a healthy distance between me and the students.

What's your go-to feel-good music?
Gospel music, for sure!

Yerin Kim is the features editor at PS, where she helps shape the vision for special features and packages across the network. A graduate of Syracuse University's Newhouse School, she has over five years of experience in the pop culture and women's lifestyle spaces. She's passionate about spreading cultural sensitivity through the lenses of lifestyle, entertainment, and style.