For Muskan Rathor, teaching has never been limited to books, classrooms or completing a syllabus. It has always been about creating a connection with students — helping them feel comfortable, valued and motivated. That belief shaped her journey and gave her an identity many now recognise before they know her name: The Smiley Teacher.
A teacher can make a difference with knowledge, but sometimes a simple smile makes that difference unforgettable.
A journey rooted in purpose
Her journey in education began with the dream of becoming a teacher. After graduation and preparation for teaching examinations, she stepped into a school and discovered how meaningful it is to be part of a child's learning journey. Over time, her role grew beyond classroom teaching — today, as a school coordinator, she works closely with students and teachers, reviews academic work, coordinates school activities, and supports the smooth functioning of the school, alongside four years of hands-on teaching experience.
A small smile can become a big source of motivation.
The smiley that became a signature
The story behind 'Smiley Ma'am' is built on care, encouragement and positivity. Rather than relying only on marks or formal praise, Muskan began adding a small hand-drawn smiley alongside her feedback — a quiet way of telling a student their effort was seen. Students began looking forward to receiving that little smiley in their notebooks and diaries, and it slowly became her signature: proof that small recognition can inspire big effort, and that a warm, encouraging learning environment builds confidence as much as instruction does.
Beyond the classroom: content for a new generation of teachers
Muskan also creates content as a self-described "GenZ Teacher", posting as The Smiley Teacher (@_thesmileyteacher_) on Instagram, where she has crossed 20,000 followers. Her posts move between classroom humour, honest reflections on what teaching actually involves day to day, and moments from school life — a reel creator's take on a profession often shown only in its idealised form.
What comes next
She wants to continue growing as an educator, coordinator and content creator while remaining true to who she is. One thing will always remain constant for her: a teacher can make a difference with knowledge, but sometimes a simple smile makes that difference unforgettable.
Sources and editorial references
This profile is based on a self-submitted profile, photographs and Instagram account (@_thesmileyteacher_) provided by Muskan Rathor for editorial feature. Follower figures reflect the subject's own account as of submission and have not been independently verified.