Las Vegas teacher uses rap to engage students in class and on TikTok
Share this @internewscast.com

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Michael Bottachelli, known as Mr. Bee, is transforming history education at Doral Academy Red Rock High School by using TikTok and rap to engage students.

Bottachelli, a former personal trainer turned history teacher, is using social media platforms like TikTok to reach students both in and out of his classroom. With more than 40,000 followers, his educational videos cover key historical events dynamically and engagingly. His unique approach also includes incorporating rap into his lessons.

“I’ve always wanted to be a rapper,” Bottachelli said, explaining his use of rap in the classroom to capture students’ interest.

Botticelli’s journey to teaching was unexpected. He spent 15 years as a personal trainer before following the footsteps of his father and brother, both educators.

Students at Doral Academy Red Rock High School listen to a history lesson being taught by Michael Bottachelli, also known as Mr. Bee. (KLAS)

In his 10th-grade world history class, he is known for his energetic personality and innovative teaching style. He believes that traditional methods of lectures and tests are outdated; instead, he focuses on interactive and multimedia approaches.

“If you don’t plan, these kids are going to get bored,” Bottachelli said. “If you are winging it, they will sniff that out from a mile away.”

“He helped me to think about history differently,” Colby, one of Bottachelli’s students, said.

Botticelli’s TikTok channel, History with Mr. Bee, was created to help students who were absent from class. However, it has grown to reach a much wider audience, allowing him to share his passion for history with students beyond his classroom.

“Usually, I don’t think of teachers being on like social media and stuff,” Alexander said.

Mr. Bee’s innovative use of social media and music in teaching history demonstrates a shift in educational methods, aiming to make learning more accessible and engaging for students. His approach not only captivates his students but also reaches a broader audience, showcasing the potential of modern technology in education.

All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by KLAS. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by KLAS staff before being published.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Two-Vehicle Collision in Champaign Results in One Hospitalization

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — A traffic accident involving two vehicles in Champaign on…

Pentagon Receives Orders from Trump to Initiate Nuclear Weapons Testing

In a significant move announced on Wednesday, President Trump has directed the…

BWXT Secures $174 Million Naval Nuclear Fuel Contract, Strengthening U.S. Navy Capabilities

ERWIN, Tenn. (WJHL) — On Thursday, BWX Technologies, Inc. revealed that it…

Senator Graham Proposes Constitutional Amendment to Halt Lawmaker Pay During Government Shutdowns

SOCASTEE, S.C. (WBTW) — U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham has proposed that Congressional…

Senator Fetterman Warns SNAP Deadline Could Trigger Federal Government Shutdown

Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman has issued a stark warning about the looming…

Court Documents Reveal Morristown Mother Charged Following Incident Involving Minors Shooting at Man and House

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article has been revised to amend details regarding the…

Shaquille O’Neal’s $180,000 Range Rover Reported Stolen in Georgia

ATLANTA (AP) — In a recent twist of events, a bespoke $180,000…

Justice Served: El Paso Man Handed 55-Year Sentence for Heinous Child Abuse Crimes

Editor’s Note: This article discusses child abuse, which may be unsettling for…

Dundee Mayor Collaborates with Christian Disaster Response to Aid Jamaica

LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA) — For Samuel Pennant, the mayor of Dundee in…

City of Champaign Seeks Community Volunteers to Proactively Address Gun Violence Prevention

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — In a determined bid to curtail gun violence, the…

Trump Instructs Pentagon to Initiate Nuclear Weapons Testing

On Wednesday, President Trump announced he has directed the Defense Department to…

Highlighting Heroes: The Mission K9 Warrior Initiative

In Catlin, Illinois, Mission K9 Warrior is gearing up for a significant…