The Internet Found Ms. Rachel's Pre-Teacher Photos And We're Loving Them

The internet is buzzing after discovering Ms. Rachel's life before her YouTube fame.

One mom from the 'Mommy Memes' Facebook group shared a glimpse of Ms. Rachel's pre-Teacher Rachel era (think of it as her "pre-debut photos" in K-pop terms), and the responses were absolutely hilarious!

The mom who posted wrote, "Because okay, Ms. Rachel, we see you. 'Songs for Littles'? You mean Songs for Mommies??"

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"Let's not act like some of us weren't completely different people before having kids. She lived a life before becoming a mother. Love that for her," one mom commented. 

Another mom put it perfectly: "Almost like she had a whole life before her son came. Instead of giving up her passion, she shifted gears to help her son and others." 

"I have to hand it to her for fighting to do a lot of different things before she found one she was really good at," said another mom.

One commented, "This makes me love her even more. I've always wondered what she was like before she became the most loved woman in the world. I'm definitely going to have to listen to these albums because it’s hard to picture her singing anything outside of 'sticky, icky, bubblegum.'"

The Smart Parenting editors could only say in unison to Ms. Rachel's pre-mommy photos: We relate! We, too, were once "up to no good" in sparkly mini-dresses or Vans slip-on sneakers, but now largely—and happily—respond to "Mommy!" and sing nursery rhymes 24/7.

ALSO READ: ICYMI: Ms. Rachel's Learning Videos Launch On Netflix In January

'Songs for Mommies?' Ms. Rachel Before Becoming Teacher Rachel

Before becoming your little one's favorite teacher in her pink T-shirt and overalls, Rachel Griffin was a musician following her songwriting dreams. She released an album called I'm Up to No Good in 2004 and worked on some singles. That same love for music is what she brings to her videos today, though now her audience are toddlers and their families.

For those who might not know, Ms. Rachel also worked as a music teacher in New York City public schools. In an interview with Good Morning America, she shared why she always wanted to become a teacher and opened up about the career that sparked her passion for working with young kids.

"I remember I taught at a preschool for kids with disabilities, and I went in thinking that I was going to change their lives—I was going to help them. And then they transformed me," she explained. "They gave me so much. I was like, 'I want to do this forever. I want to help kids.'"

When Rachel became a mom, her life took a big shift. Inspired by her son, Thomas, and his developmental needs, she launched Songs for Littles and made more educational content that blended music with early learning.

What started as a personal effort to help her child quickly grew into something bigger. Her YouTube channel became a hit, drawing in families who loved her fun, approachable teaching style.

Now, Rachel Griffin Accurso isn't just Ms. Rachel. She's an educator, a performer, and a savvy businesswoman. Her success on platforms like YouTube, paired with brand partnerships, has made her a household name in kids' entertainment. It's even more admirable Rachel has stayed true to herself while reaching new heights.

Parents reported that it was TikTok user @karmengonewild who had uncovered these photos. The same article quotes Ms. Rachel explaining, "The photos are from when I was a singer-songwriter here in New York City in my 20s." She also read the comments from the viral TikTok and said "The comments are very sweet. They make me laugh. But honestly, I'm the happiest I've ever been as a mom and teacher in overalls."

Love Ms. Rachel? Click here to learn all about her toy line and find out where to get one!