Teacher preps for next academic year—one realization changes everything

A quick, throwaway moment in lesson planning has turned into a full-body educator shudder online—the current school year is 2025–2026—which means next year is 2026–2027.

Kayla Manigault, a 6th grade English teacher from Baltimore, Maryland, made the realization that is not just a reminder of the passing of time, but also part of a viral meme that students won’t stop repeating.

For educators familiar with the “6–7” trend dominating TikTok and school hallways, that’s the punchline: “six seven” is no longer just something students blurt out in class—it’s about to become the shorthand for an entire school year.

In a now viral video, Manigault said: “POV: You’re a teacher who just remembered the current school year is 2025-2026. Which means next school year is…” 

The caption added: “God help us all…”

“I remember sitting on my bed, typing, and that’s when I realized it,” Manigault told Newsweek. “I screamed ‘Oh my gosh.’ My boyfriend, who is also a teacher, ran in. We both kind of collapsed and then laughed our butts off.”

The reel has been viewed on Instagram more than 6 million times. Manigault said she didn’t expect the post to blow up, but she understood why it did. 

Nearly every educator who replied seemed to have the same mix of dread and laughter. 

“This just goes to show how important it is for us as educators to have an outlet and support system,” she said. “Education has changed so much over the years and of course teaching has always had its challenges but being able to make jokes and laugh about our day-to-day classroom adventures and confidently vent about our stressors makes it all the worthwhile.”

What Is The 6-7 Trend?

The meme itself is tied to the phrase “six seven,” not “sixty-seven,” and is often delivered with a gesture like someone weighing two options. It has been all over TikTok and has spread into schools, with teachers and students incorporating it into everyday jokes—and sometimes even lessons.

It began in December 2024 with the song “Doot Doot” by drill rap artist Skrilla. The song features the now famous lyrics: “6-7, I just bipped right on the highway (bip, bip).”

Since then, the popularity has only grown, and despite being dubbed a “brain rot word,” it does not seem to be going away anytime soon. 

Why It Resonated 

Even if adults find the meme repetitive, Manigault argued it is a rare example of kids rallying around something light and relatively harmless online.

“Kids and teens are turning to something positive on social media and engaging with each other in a way that’s safe and fun,” she said. “Anytime they’re able to find something to help them destress or find joy, we need to celebrate and respect that.”