Teacher expelled for doing this kind of thing…See more
Student records his teacher without imagining what it would cause on social media
What began as a casual classroom video ended up unleashing a wave of reactions, controversies, and reflections on respect, privacy, and the power of social media.
Mexico City – A high school student recorded his teacher during a class, unaware that the seemingly innocuous video would go viral within hours and cause a stir on social media. The clip, originally uploaded to TikTok, shows the teacher passionately explaining a history topic while using expressive gestures and a firm yet warm voice.
The video’s description simply read: “My teacher takes her job way too seriously . 
“ Within hours, the video racked up over 3 million views , hundreds of thousands of likes, and thousands of comments… but the tone of the responses divided the audience.
Admiration vs. mockery
Many users applauded the teacher’s dedication. Comments like “I wish all teachers taught like this!” or “You can tell she loves what she does” flooded the post. However, there were also those who chose to mock her, imitating her tone of voice, exaggerating her gestures, or editing the video to ridicule her.
Within hours, memes, musical remixes, and even “challenges” imitating the teacher were created, generating growing concern among the educational community.
The teacher’s reaction
Days later, it was revealed that the teacher, identified as María Eugenia Rivas , 43 years old and with more than 20 years of experience, was unaware that she had been recorded , much less that it had gone viral.
“I found out because a niece showed me the video. At first I laughed, but then I saw the offensive comments, the mockery… and it hurt. I never gave permission to be recorded, much less to be exposed like that,” she stated in an interview with a local media outlet.
Rivas also acknowledged that, although the viral video brought praise, the situation made her feel vulnerable. “I’m human. I try to do my best for my students, but I didn’t expect to become a trending topic for something as everyday as teaching.”
Debate on privacy and digital ethics
This case has opened a new debate in the field of education: Is it ethical to record teachers without their consent? To what extent can social media alter a person’s life without their permission?
Education and digital law specialists pointed out that, although phones are everywhere, recording and distributing videos without authorization can represent a violation of privacy , especially if the content is used for purposes of ridicule or public shaming.
“We live in a culture of constant exposure, but it’s not all entertainment. There are real consequences for the people behind viral content,” warned cyberethics lawyer Valeria Córdova.
A call for reflection
Following the commotion, the school issued a statement reminding students of the rules of conduct and respect within the classroom. Meanwhile, Professor Rivas has chosen to continue with her classes as usual, although she admits she is now more cautious.
“I want my students to learn, but also to understand that we all deserve respect, inside and outside the classroom.”
The case of María Eugenia Rivas is a clear reminder of the power—and the danger—of social media , where any gesture can become a trend… but also a cause of harm.