Kind teachers brighten the school experience for kids, offering much-needed support, especially for those who might lack it outside school. Carey Arensberg, a dedicated teacher, created a “care closet” to help her students with self-care needs. This wonderful initiative allows her students to freely take the products they need to thrive, and it quickly gained popularity both in her school and online.
Sometimes, all a student needs to improve both academically and personally is a caring teacher
Image credits: Carey Arensberg
This teacher, who is also a TikToker, is one of those who deeply cares about her students
For many kids, teachers act like second parents. They spend significant time with them, teaching not just subjects but how to care for themselves. Sadly, not all parents can provide this support due to lack of skills, mental illness, or financial struggles. This is where compassionate teachers step in, and Carey Arensberg is a wonderful example of such a teacher.
Carey wears many hats, one being a TikToker with over 400k followers on her account, @mrsarensberg4th. Most of her content revolves around her teaching life, but she occasionally shares personal moments like singing or family events. A significant part of her teaching-related content focuses on her “care closet.”
She has a care closet in her classroom that’s stocked with various products, from snacks to personal hygiene things
Image credits: Carey Arensberg
The idea stemmed from a moment in 2020 when Carey saw a student hiding his unkempt hair under a hood, feeling embarrassed. She bought the necessary haircare products and helped him, sparking the idea for the care closet. Over time, Carey’s closet has grown, stocked with donated items as well as products she purchases. The closet includes snacks, toothpaste, deodorant, sanitary pads, and even haircare items.
Beyond providing these products, Carey has developed a heartfelt speech to encourage students to use the closet without shame. This speech became the subject of a viral TikTok video, now with over 3 million views. In it, she reassures students that everyone needs help sometimes and that it’s perfectly okay to take what they need from the care closet.
Image credits: Max Fischer / Pexels (not the actual photo)
Any student or even a teacher can help themselves from this closet anytime they need something that they don’t have
For students who feel too self-conscious to take items, Carey encourages them to write her a note so she can discreetly provide the items they need. She also emphasizes that no one should be mocked for using the closet, promoting a supportive classroom environment.
Over time, students become comfortable using the closet, and it becomes a cherished part of their school experience. Carey shared touching stories about the impact, like a former student reaching out years later asking for help from the care closet, a testament to the lasting impression of her kindness.
Image credits: freepik / Freepik (not the actual photo)
Carey’s mission is not just to help her own students but to inspire other teachers to create similar closets, fostering a community of care and support. She’s already seen other teachers adopting this idea, which fills her with joy. “The relationships being built and the lives being changed touches my heart in a way that I can’t explain,” she shared.
Online commenters have praised her gentle approach and dedication, wishing for more teachers like her. The world indeed needs more professionals like Carey Arensberg, whose actions show that a little kindness can make a significant difference in a child’s life.
Watch the viral video here:
When the teacher posted a video about how she explains the care closet to her students, it went viral and people praised her for being so caring
