SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A local kindergarten teacher who posts educational content on social media has seen a significant response, with thousands of followers. Her passion for teaching is opening new doors, including one to Governor Josh Shapiro’s mansion.

Mrs. McKenzie Stafursky, a teacher at John G. Whittier Elementary School, invited 28/22 News inside her classroom at John G. Whittier Elementary School to see what inspires her to continue teaching outside of school, and what drives her to keep posting content.

Students were huddled on the rug in Mrs. Stafursky’s classroom while she read them a winter story. What they might not know is that their teacher has gone viral on social media for her relatable classroom stories and advice.

“But also some helpful videos for teachers to try and show them different ways to teach different things that might work in my classroom,” Stafursky explained.

Thousands of people engaged with her videos, and that massive response got her an invite to Governor Josh Shapiro’s holiday party for creators.

“Called my mom, I was like, ‘Is this for real? Do you think this is a scam or something?’ She was like, ‘No, I think it’s real!’” Stafursky continued.

What inspires her is her group of students, who had so much to say about her, including why they love being in her class.

Kids inspire sobriety through posters

“Because she makes me so happy,” Araceli Orellana Avila, a student, said.

“She’s beautiful,” a student, John Buntz, added.

They especially love their classroom elf, Waffles, who brought gifts to Stafursky’s class.

“He did bring us stockings today with magic pens. You put it on, and you can’t see them until you use the magic flashlight,” Buntz explained.

The impact of Stafursky’s teaching and social media content is spreading joy throughout the rest of the elementary school as well.

“She helps, and she shares, and we help each other. Having been around for a while, I can help give her tips, and she’s bringing me along,” John G. Whittier Elementary School Teacher Christine Gutekunst stated.

“It shows that people are evolving with all of the creativity that’s going on in the social media world, and they want to bring that to their classrooms so they can do the best they could to teach their kids,” John G. Whittier Elementary School Principal Andrea Musto told 28/22 News.

Stafursky’s other coworkers were thrilled to hear the positive light she is shedding on both teaching and John G. Whittier Elementary.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to 28/22 News.