Lessons, Laughter, and Labcoats

At Cannon School, strong relationships between students and teachers are a defining part of the school experience. For Upper School teachers Danielle Brady and Erin Ross, that connection has taken on a creative twist that meets students where they are, while highlighting the importance of authenticity, joy, and community.

In October 2025, Brady and Ross launched a TikTok account, Libraries & Labcoats (@darinbross), as a natural extension of their friendship and a nod to the subjects they teach (English and science). What started as lighthearted conversations between colleagues quickly turned into something more. “At some point, we realized we should just start recording the conversations we were already having,” they say. The result is a playful, unscripted look at their dynamic: full of humor, banter, and genuine connection.

From the beginning, these two faculty members were intentional about the kind of space they wanted to create. “Social media in education can sometimes focus heavily on the challenges,” Danielle explains. “We wanted to show a different side, something positive that people could enjoy.” Their goal was simple: keep it fun, keep it real, and make it something that reflects the energy they bring to their classrooms every day.

They’re also mindful of maintaining clear boundaries. All of their content is created outside of class time, before or after hours, so their time at school stays focused on students and teaching.

As they grew more comfortable in front of the camera, their content evolved. “We started with a lot of trend-based content,” Danielle says, “but over time we began branching out into more original ideas and even inviting guest stars.” That shift sparked something unexpected. Oher faculty members began asking to join in. What began as a small side project has since become a fun, community-building experience for Cannon’s faculty and staff.

For Erin, the heart of Libraries & Labcoats is about connection. “It’s an unfiltered space where students can see a more human side of us,” she says. “They see us joking around and doing silly dances. It shows them that it’s okay to be yourself.” By stepping into a platform that students are already familiar with, they’ve found a new way to build trust and relatability. “We realized that if we want to connect with students, we have to be willing to step into their world,” she adds.

That effort is making a difference. Both teachers have noticed students becoming more confident and more willing to take risks. “There’s less fear of making mistakes,” Danielle says. “Students see that we don’t take ourselves too seriously, and it gives them permission to open up and try new things.” It’s a shift that not only strengthens relationships, but also creates a more supportive and engaging classroom environment.