A woman’s interaction with a busker has TikTok calling her the ‘coolest teacher ever’

A middle school teacher from New Jersey has gone viral on TikTok after sharing a special moment with a busker she had come across prior to the COVID-19 outbreak.

On Jan. 10, Crystal Vargas, a teacher, percussionist and softball coach, posted a clip in which she and her class ran into a busker at Quincy Market while on a school trip in Boston. In the short video, Vargas is seen enthusiastically drumming on a bucket alongside the busker as her students watch in awe.

@civicsteacher

School Trip to ##boston but then this 🥁 ##fyp ##tiktokteacher ##streetdrummer ##musician ##percussion

♬ original sound – Crystal Vargas

At one point, Vargas tells the busker that the audience watching them is actually her class.

“Oh yeah?” he says in response. “What’s up, New Jersey!”

The TikTok has since been viewed nearly 1 million times. Like Vargas’ class, many users couldn’t help but admire the teacher’s skills.

“Coolest teacher ever,” one person simply wrote.

“Those kids are gonna remember you as their favorite teacher years after they graduate,” another added.

“You are a great teacher!” a third posted. “You are showing those students to have compassion, not to judge everyone you come across.”

At least one TikToker, who identified herself as a former student, confirmed that Vargas was, in fact, a really down-to-earth teacher.

“MY FAVORITE CIVICS TEACHER EVER THE COOLEST ONE IVE EVER HAD,” the TikToker commented.

In a follow-up TikTok, Vargas shares the rest of the old footage, in which she tells the busker that she’s also a conga player.

“Uh oh, uh oh,” the busker energetically tells her, as she picks up the rhythm.

@civicsteacher

Reply @aesthetic.aj2 Pt2🙏🏽##boston ##fyp ##tiktokteacher ##streetdrummer ##musician ##percussion

♬ original sound – Crystal Vargas

According to Vargas’ website, the teacher has performed with artists Wyclef Jean, Paul Simon, Gladys Knight and Jill Scott. She also showcased her talent on Live with Regis and Kelly.

If you liked this story, check out this article on a teacher who was caught off guard by a student’s appearance in class.

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