Whether you’re in your first years of teaching or a seasoned veteran, it’s easy to feel alone in this ever-changing profession. Long hours of planning, grading, and spending most of the day as the only adult in the room can add up. Teacher loneliness is real, and it often leads to burnout. That’s why I was surprised when several teachers shared with me an app that helps them feel more connected. With Teacher Tapp, just a few taps a day connects you with thousands of other teachers across the United States and even around the world—teachers facing the same challenges and asking the same big questions.
Meet Teacher Tapp
In 2017, former teachers Becky Allen and Laura McInerney created Teacher Tapp. The app asks teachers three daily questions about their work, beliefs, or classroom experiences. It only takes a few minutes to answer. The next day, you can see how thousands of other teachers responded to the same questions.
“I love being able to see the results to see whether I’m in the majority or if I am an outlier,” says Emily S., a K-6 teacher.
Teacher Tapp also shares short, helpful “Daily Reads,” with app users. Second grade teacher Avery C. was surprised by how interesting she found them. She said, “One question came up about using AI with students. It was so helpful. It gave ideas for using AI education in smart ways. This is great since many students have already started using it in not-so-great ways.”
“Using Teacher Tapp fits easily into my day.”
Every teacher I spoke with had some version of the same message: Teacher Tapp is quick, fun, and easy to use. “It literally takes me less than a minute to answer the questions each day,” says Elizabeth H., a high school teacher with over 16 years of experience in the classroom. Teachers answer their daily questions while waiting in line, drinking coffee, or winding down after school. “It’s worth it and takes such little time,” says Gena M., who teaches high school and young adults.
“The questions make me think and reflect.”
For most teachers, it isn’t just about answering daily questions. It’s a chance to think deeply about teaching, students, and the profession. Some questions focus on big topics like work-life balance or student safety. Others cover everyday things like cell phone rules or classroom procedures. No matter the topic, the app encourages reflection. Victoria S., an instructional coach, said, “I’ve been really interested in the responses to questions about school policies. There was a question about student behavior policies that teachers reported using in their schools. I was surprised to see how many teachers said their schools were using policies that don’t align with current research on how to address certain student behaviors.” Other teachers mentioned questions about positive affirmations, cell phone use, and teacher workload as powerful prompts for change.
“Seeing other teachers’ responses inspires me.”
Every teacher agreed that reviewing the daily poll results is one of the most interesting and inspiring parts of the app. “It unifies the profession magically,” says Rachelle, a 6th grade teacher. “Every day the poll results make me think, reflect, and see the topic through a different lens.” Sometimes the results are validating. Other times, they challenge assumptions. For Gena M., they’ve reminded her to be more patient with parents. For Amanda H., they serve as a motivator to engage with her administration and advocate for change. Avery C. shares, “It creates a sense of solidarity with other teachers, which you don’t always get to feel in your day-to-day work.”
“I feel like I’m making a difference.”
Perhaps most importantly, many teachers said that using Teacher Tapp gives them a way to influence education without adding to their workload. Amanda H. put it this way: “So many decisions about teaching are made by out-of-touch administrators or corporations with tunnel vision. This is an easy way to participate in the discussion without adding a burden to my already busy work-life equilibrium.” Sarah P. shared that she hopes those in charge of making big decisions about education will “use our responses to help us!” Elizabeth H. adds that Teacher Tapp has made her a better educator because it “just keeps me thinking about topics related to my career and provides me with a quick way to read a variety of blogs and articles in the field of education.”
For any teacher wondering if they have time for yet another app, the message is clear: Teacher Tapp doesn’t take time, it gives it back. In just a few minutes each day, you gain perspective, insight, community, and a small but mighty way to help shape the future of education.