Every teacher knows that the journey from 1st to 8th period isn’t just about lesson plans and student engagement—it’s a full-on transformation of our mental state. We all start the morning with fresh, flowing, and precise words. But fast-forward a few hours, and it’s like you can barely hold it together.
This hilarious TikTok video by @mrv_history featuring the Miami Dolphins‘ head coach Mike McDaniel illustrates exactly this progression (or should we say regression?). Watch as he goes from articulate and composed to … well, needing a water and a nap. If you’ve ever found yourself losing your words by the end of the day, this one’s for you.
These clips of Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel perfectly illustrate the downward trajectory of a teacher’s energy, communication, and stability from 1st to 8th period.
It’s so accurate it’s scary.
Here’s a breakdown of each of the clips:
1st period: “It’s an honor and a privilege to stand here in front of you guys as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins.”
Yes! Starting strong. We’ve totally got this. Coherent. Smooth. Prepared.
3rd period: “Alright. My opening statement? You guys just ruined it. Let’s begin.”
By 3rd period, the irritability has set in. We’re also cruising toward lunchtime and dangerously flirting with being hangry.
Check out this comment from a fellow teacher (and @mrv_history‘s follow-up):
4th period: “Swag recognizes swag. What are we doing? How are we doing, guys? Um … the floor is yours.”
By 4th period, we’ve traded irritability for fatigue—both physical and mental. Y’all want to talk? I can’t be bothered to stop you.
8th period: “Yes, it’s the—I, um … I would be a different person if I was tall. Very judgmental. Is there a water? Do you have a water?”
By 8th period, the tangents and off-topic conversations (and sometimes, too, the flat-out honesty) are at an all-time high.
I will say this: As a teacher, I felt the “Is there water?” in my bones. Like a cartoon character about to hallucinate in the desert.
Are the school days of a teacher exhausting? Yes. Arguably too exhausting for our health? Still yes. But @mrv_history illustrates one of the truths about teaching: If you can laugh about a hard thing—especially with other teachers—it’ll feel less overwhelming. This TikTok might not reduce your workload, but it will remind you just how many teachers are in this boat with you.
