Michigan Teacher Goes Viral Explaining Why He Eats Lunch With His Students

A West Michigan teacher is making a big impact on his students’ lives in a simple yet meaningful way—by sharing lunch with them. Dan Shutes, an educator from Paw Paw, recently went viral on his own TikTok account for his daily habit of eating lunch with his students, which a tradition he's maintained for eight years. While his viral fame may be fleeting-  the relationships he’s building with his students will last far longer.

In one of his viral videos, Shutes explained his motivation, saying, "I eat lunch in the cafeteria almost every single day, and here’s why..." That heartfelt message, shared in just three TikToks, resonated with viewers, gaining more than 500,000 views.

His message is simple but powerful: instead of spending his lunchtime grading papers or tackling other tasks, Shutes chooses to sit down with his students and get to know them on a personal level.

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For about 20 minutes each day, from 12:30 p.m. to 12:50 p.m., Shutes connects with his students over lunch, creating a space for them to feel seen and heard. This small act of spending time together has proven to be one of his most teachable moments. Through these informal interactions, Shutes is fostering stronger relationships, helping his students feel more supported, and making a difference in their lives beyond the classroom.

That's not all he does on his account, he's also posted reactions from his students about his tattoos, his interactions with his students, and the behind the scenes moments from teaching.

His TikTok fame may fade, but the positive impact he’s having on his students is something that will last a lifetime. Dan Shutes’ commitment to his students reminds us that sometimes, the most meaningful lessons happen outside of the lesson plan.