Kay van Greunen, a 23-year-old teacher from Pretoria, has captured the hearts of millions with her heartfelt and innovative approach to teaching. A recent graduate who completed her first year as a Grade R teacher at Bronkhorstspruit Primary School, Van Greunen, affectionately known as “Miss Kay,” became an internet sensation after sharing a touching moment with her students on TikTok. The video, which showcases her unique connection with her pupils, has since gone viral, receiving over four million views and more than 500,000 likes. In it, she plays a classroom game called “Hello Teacher, What’s My Name,” where she accurately guesses her students’ names based solely on their voices—a perfect score that highlights her deep bond with each child.
The video, intended as a personal keepsake of her first class, struck a chord with viewers not just for its warmth but for the genuine love and care Van Greunen has for her students. “This is my first class,” she shared in the post. “I thought to post this so I can always remember them.” The simplicity of the moment—a teacher connecting with her students on a deeply personal level—captured the essence of her teaching philosophy. Van Greunen’s approach goes beyond academics; she prioritizes joy, love, and making each student feel heard and valued, believing that this emotional foundation is key to their academic success.
While Van Greunen’s teaching philosophy focuses on creating an inclusive, nurturing environment, her first year was not without its challenges. As an Afrikaans-speaking teacher in a school where many students speak Zulu or Tswana, the language barrier initially presented a significant hurdle. She candidly admitted that it was overwhelming at first, but rather than retreating, she embraced the challenge, determined to connect with her pupils. Van Greunen took the time to learn key phrases in her students’ languages, using educational games to bridge the gap and ensure every child felt understood, no matter the language they spoke.
For Van Greunen, every child is unique, and she is committed to fostering an environment where they can be themselves. “I don’t want them to change who they are,” she explained in an interview with YOU magazine. She strives to make her classroom a place where students know they will be supported and loved, not only academically but emotionally. Her dedication to her students extends beyond traditional subjects like math, language, and life skills. Van Greunen places equal importance on addressing her students’ emotional well-being and equipping them with the resilience needed to navigate life’s challenges. “The key is to grow with them,” she said. “Life won’t always be easy, but if you’re struggling, you need to put on your big pants and face the world.”
Van Greunen’s influence has been felt not only in the classroom but by the wider community as well. Many parents have expressed their gratitude for the care and attention she gives to their children, praising her for creating a positive and nurturing environment. “It’s such a blessing to teach them that they don’t have to change who they are,” she said. Her students’ emotional and academic growth is her greatest reward, and her dedication to making them feel valued has made her a beloved figure among the school community. Parents, in particular, have been moved by her efforts to ensure their children are not just academically prepared, but emotionally supported as well.
Her viral video sparked an outpouring of admiration from viewers, many of whom were touched by her genuine connection with her students. Comments flooded in, with viewers highlighting how special it was that Van Greunen was able to pronounce each child’s name correctly, something that many children rarely experience. The authenticity of her bond with her students is evident in the way she engaged with them throughout the year, and the video serves as a testament to her ability to see and understand each child as an individual. “Teacher spent the whole year with these kids, and this goes to show that she has engaged with each and every one of them,” one commenter noted.
Kay van Greunen’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and a deep commitment to her students’ well-being. Through her viral video, she has not only inspired countless people but has reminded us all of the profound impact a dedicated teacher can have on a child’s life. By focusing on emotional connection and fostering an environment of love and acceptance, Van Greunen is helping to shape the next generation, one where every child feels heard, valued, and supported—both academically and emotionally.
