• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • Living
  • Good News

Teacher shares viral handshakes with students after returning to classroom

2:05
'The Dope Educator' returns and Benson Boone rides 'Bike Bus'
Courtesy David Jamison II
ByGMA Team and Yi-Jin Yu
October 14, 2025, 4:19 PM

A Tennessee teacher is getting kids excited for class with custom greetings.

David Jamison II shares high fives, handshakes, toe taps and more with his students as they enter his classroom each day.

The third grade teacher's Instagram video of some of the elaborate exchanges has social media users raving about the ritual.

David Jamison II, a third-grade teacher, returned to classroom teaching after four years and is sharing custom greetings with students.
Courtesy David Jamison II

"What an awesome, lovely way to greet your students," one Instagram user commented.

David Jamison II, a third-grade teacher, returned to classroom teaching after four years and is sharing custom greetings with students.
Courtesy David Jamison II

Another wrote, "The fact you can remember all the greetings is impressive! Those kids will remember this for the rest of their lives! Great job teach!"

David Jamison II, a third-grade teacher, returned to classroom teaching after four years and is sharing custom greetings with students.
Courtesy David Jamison II

Related Articles

This teacher memorized 75 different handshakes with his class

Jamison told "Good Morning America" previously that the customized greetings help boost the bond he nurtures with his students.

Also known as "The Dope Educator" on Instagram, Jamison recently returned to classroom teaching after four years as a recruitment advisor. He previously taught fifth grade but is now teaching third grade English Language Arts at Power Center Academy Southeast Elementary School in Memphis, Tennessee.

Related Articles

Kindergarten handshake ritual is kids ‘favorite part of the day’

Teaching third grade is especially meaningful for Jamison, because as he told "GMA," it's the grade he failed when he was a young student.

"This year is a new beginning for me," Jamison wrote in an email. "I am returning to 3rd grade, moving from once being [counted] out to counted on."

Editor’s Picks

Teacher's method for taking attendance makes us wish we were in his class

  • Sep 04, 2019

The story behind viral video of a teacher rapping to Drake on 1st day of school

  • Sep 12, 2024

This teacher kicks off class in the best way with each of her students

  • Nov 19, 2020

"I'm simply grateful to be back in my true calling," he added.

Related Topics

  • Good News

Editor’s Picks

Teacher's method for taking attendance makes us wish we were in his class

  • Sep 04, 2019

The story behind viral video of a teacher rapping to Drake on 1st day of school

  • Sep 12, 2024

This teacher kicks off class in the best way with each of her students

  • Nov 19, 2020

Up Next in Living—

Get a 1st look at 2 new giant pandas coming to Zoo Atlanta

April 24, 2026

First responder speaks out after family of 7 rescued from cliff

April 23, 2026

Teacher runs over 100 miles to raise money for students

April 22, 2026

Baby Asian elephant makes National Zoo debut on Earth Day

April 22, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2026 ABC News