Hilariously chaotic professor uses emo anthems to snap sleeping students back to reality

Once, in my sophomore year, I dozed off in Algebra 2 and caught a hurled eraser to the top of my head for it. It was the last time I fell asleep in class. Or, at least, in that teacher's class. If I'd had a teacher like TikTok superstar Matthew Pittman for that class I wouldn't have dared fall asleep. Not for fear of consequences but because I wouldn't have wanted to miss the show.

When students in Professor Matthew Pittman’s social media and advertising classes at the University of Tennessee nod off or lose focus, he doesn’t get mad—he gets emo. Instead of disrupting his lecture, Pittman sneaks up on the dozing student and bursts into a full-throated emo anthem. With renditions of songs like Blink-182’s I Miss You and Fall Out Boy’s Sugar, We’re Goin Down, Pittman has turned mundane classroom moments into viral gold.

It’s not just a quick one-liner or hum, either. Pittman delivers full performances, sometimes while continuing his lecture, eyeliner application included. His TikTok videos showcasing these antics have racked up millions of views, and students (and the internet at large) are loving every second of it.

Professor Pittman knows how to handle a dozing student, and even bring the right tools for the job.Professor Pittman

One TikTok user, @chaoticlittleghostfaceprincess, was particularly impressed by his multitasking skills:

"😭 the commitment to continue the lecture while applying eyeliner while waiting to wake her up to get the full effect is 10000/10."

— @chaoticlittleghostfaceprincess

The internet's reaction

TikTokers can’t get enough of Pittman’s performances, with many commenting on how refreshing it is to see such a passionate professor. @Journal.with.Nelly shared a nostalgic regret, saying:

"When I was in college my professors weren't this cool and I feel like I missed out on an awesome college experience lol."

— @Journal.with.Nelly

Even Pittman’s imperfect singing gets a nod of approval. One user, @April1982, wrote, “He has a decent voice,” to which Pittman replied, “Not great, not horrible!”

It's really the seamless transition from well articulated lessons to total rock that is most impressive.Professor Pittman

Others couldn’t help but point out the extra layers of comedy in his videos. @Brandon chuckled at one moment, saying:

"‘Closing the mmm damn door’ you bleeped the wrong word Mr. Professor 😂😂."

— @Brandon

And it’s not just his students he’s entertaining. One fan, @ghouldilocks, joked, “You can’t convince me he wasn’t in a band with his friends in the early/mid aughts,” a theory that doesn’t seem too far-fetched given Pittman’s emo chops.

A unique teaching philosophy

Pittman’s antics are more than just entertaining—they reveal a creative approach to teaching that values engagement and humor. Even students jolted from deep naps can’t stay mad for long. “I think she must’ve been deep in a REM cycle,” Pittman quipped about one particularly salty reaction.

For many students, Pittman’s approach is a reminder that learning doesn’t have to be boring. His unexpected performances bring energy and levity to what might otherwise be an average day in class. And for those scrolling through TikTok, his videos offer a glimpse into how even social media and advertising lectures can be unforgettable with the right professor.

TikTok's favorite professor

As Pittman’s fame grows, fans are rallying to ensure he keeps doing what he does best. One user, @Stephy Richards, summed it up perfectly: “Protect this man at all costs.”

Whether it’s applying eyeliner mid-lecture or bellowing emo lyrics to wake up a sleeper, Pittman’s commitment to his craft—and his students—makes him a shining example of how creativity can thrive in the classroom.

So, next time you’re tempted to zone out in class, just remember: You could end up the star of Professor Pittman’s next viral video.

Want to see Pittman’s performances for yourself? Check out his TikTok (@matthewcpittman) and join the millions tuning in for his hilarious takes on teaching.