Teacher's Back-to-School Rap Video Had the Entire Nation Singing 'Welcome to the 4th Grade'

SKOKIE, IL — Not every elementary school teacher can say their career began with the eyes of the nation upon them, but that’s exactly the case for Dwayne Reed, a first-year fourth grade student-teacher at Jane Stenson Elementary School in Skokie.

Reed’s rap music video, “Welcome to the 4th Grade,” was released to the internet a few weeks ago, captured nationwide attention, and was listened to with praise. It welcomes kids back to school and into his class with a catchy tune, accompanied by shots of Reed dressing in garb as a scientist, gym instructor and other uniforms that correlate to different parts of his students’ school day.

“I’ve always been a fan of using music in the classroom,” said Reed, a 25-year-old who is teaching his first class outside of doing a few clinicals at other schools in Chicagoland.

“Teaching is usually more effective with great visuals, and I wanted to create a bond with the students, one where love precedes learning and actually results in true, worthwhile learning,” he said.

Lines in the rap include:

“We’ll learn about science.. and how to apply it... I’ll bet you like it... we’re gonna have a good time.”

“My name is Mr. Reed, and it’s very nice to meet you. I’m from Chicago, I love to eat pizza, I dress nice but I still rock the sneakers.”

“We’ll be learning so much by the end of the year... Absolutely no daydreaming, working hard till the bell starts ringing.”

He promises to always greet kids with a smile and to “make the lessons worthwhile.”

Reed, an alum of Homewood-Flossmoor High School in the south suburbs and Eastern Illinois University, stresses the connection aspect with students.

“You really need to build a relationship with them,” he said. “My teaching really plays off the individual child’s interest. There’s a girl who is fascinated with tadpoles, so when we talk about science or writing, I can encourage her with relating it to tadpoles or frogs.”

He says people who say "fun" and "school" can’t be in the same sentence are mistaken.

“What adult would want to be there for eight hours and not have some sense of entertainment. We aren’t making it like an amusement park, but if you find yourself doing all work and no play, you’ll find yourself in a pickle,” he said. “As long as you find that balance, you’ll be able to succeed.”

The rap video idea was natural for Reed, who has been producing music since he was an elementary school student himself.

But having a classroom full of eager kids depending on him for their education is new. Reed just completed his second week as a teacher.

“I’ve already learned more about patience than I ever have, and that’s something you can learn more and more of,” he said. “I’ve learned about pacing, about the need to take more time to explain things and to get into the mindset of a 9-year old. There could be something that a 25-year old would never laugh at, but that same thing might appeal to a 9-year old.”

Taking on students on the North Shore has also been a needed adjustment for Reed, who grew up in south suburban Chicago Heights.

“One of my best friends is from Skokie, so I knew the schools were good and that’s one of the reasons why I wanted to teach here,” he said, praising the “cultural melting pot” that exists in the village.

“I really appreciate the different languages and cultures here,” he added, noting that he’s had to change things up when it comes to which foods he brings into the classroom, keeping in mind that a majority of the students in Skokie have a different faith background than people he grew up with in Chicago Heights.

"I'm learning every day I'm teaching, and I know the kids are learning and having fun too."

Photo: YouTube screenshot