Monday, October 12, 2026

What’s Working

For readers looking for what’s still working in the world

ConnectionUpworthy

An 8th grader challenged his teacher to a dance-off. Her response made her famous.

In a heartwarming and lively moment captured at Sumner High School in Florida, Ms. Yolanda Turner, a 20-year veteran teacher, accepted an 8th grader's challenge to a dance-off, much to the delight of her students and a viral internet audience. This incident highlights the power of non-traditional teaching methods to foster genuine connections between educators and students. Ms. Turner's willingness to engage in a playful, yet meaningful interaction underscores her commitment to creating a vibrant and inclusive learning environment where students feel valued and encouraged to express themselves.

The dance-off, which quickly gained over 5 million views, was not just a display of fun and spontaneity but also an embodiment of teaching that goes beyond textbooks. By participating in the dance challenge, Ms. Turner demonstrated the importance of building rapport and trust with students, showing that effective teaching involves meeting students where they are, both emotionally and culturally. This approach not only strengthens student-teacher relationships but also enhances the overall educational experience, making school a place of joy and community rather than mere academic rigor.

Constructive analysis

The constructive-journalism lens: not just what happened, but what works.

The problem
The challenge addressed is the often rigid and impersonal nature of traditional education systems, which can hinder student engagement and personal growth.
The actions
Ms. Turner engaged in a dance-off with her students, creating a memorable and positive experience that emphasized the importance of authenticity and self-expression.
Evidence of progress
The video of the dance-off went viral, amassing over 5 million views and praise from a wide audience, including notable personalities like Missy Elliott.
What we can learn
Schools can benefit from incorporating more personal and cultural interactions into their curriculum to enhance student engagement and foster a sense of community.
PERMA profile of this story

How this story scores across the PERMA dimensions.

Positive Emotion
9
Engagement
8
Relationships
10
Meaning
7
Accomplishment
6
PERMA

Character strengths in play

Top VIA strengths this story embodies.

  • Courage

    Ms. Turner took the challenge, and the students went wild.

  • Kindness

    Meeting them where they are is one of the best ways to reach kids.

  • Love

    This is just one of the many POSITIVE Things students will remember about their teachers & school!

Try this today

Consider ways to bring more joy into your daily interactions, whether at work, home, or in your community. This week, try to engage in an activity that allows you to connect with others in a fun and meaningful way, such as a group game or a shared creative project.