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October 14, 2025

Teacher shares viral handshakes with students after returning to classroom

WATCH: 'The Dope Educator' returns and Benson Boone rides 'Bike Bus'

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.

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

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!"

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.

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."

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