YouTube Star at Promise Road Elementary

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Kids still regularly point at Emily Hoppel in the PRE hallways and say, "I saw you!" And they aren't talking about spying Emily at Meijer or the grocery store. They're talking about seeing her online. This is pretty amazing, considering it's been three years since Emily launched her YouTube Channel. 

Emily started recording short instructional videos to support K-3 students with phonemic awareness during the COVID stay-at-home order in Spring 2020. Many elementary teachers in Noblesville Schools still share these videos to support families with foundational reading skills outside of the school day, including eLearning Days. The videos continue to leave an impression, and Emily believes that kids need this emotional connection to make content stick.


I asked Emily what advice she has for teachers looking to get started with recording videos. Here are her suggestions:

  • Forget the fancy equipment. Emily relies on stuff around the house for props. She tapes her iPhone to a water bottle for a camera stand. Notice that Emily doesn't use an external microphone.
  • Go for one and done. She finds the first take is often the best take. Emily encourages teachers not to let themselves get wrapped up in striving for the perfect version. Embrace an attitude of good enough!
  • Let go of how you look. Emily's goal is to be authentic and relatable. Most of the videos recorded during the Spring of 2020 were without makeup. She's willing to be goofy and doesn't take her too seriously.
  • Jump in! The timing is never going to be right to start a YouTube Channel. Emily reminds teachers that, as with any project, they'll pick up the details along the way. Part of the joy is in the process.


I asked Emily about future plans for her channel. She plans to record more instructional videos this school year. She also sees great potential in using video for professional learning. Emily pictures teachers narrating demonstrations about what's working in their classrooms. She pointed out that if so many of us are willing to spend hours watching teachers on the other side of the country through Instagram and TikTok, surely we would be willing to watch teachers down the hall ... surely? Excellent point. 

Kristin Patrick, Blended Learning Coach


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