Explore the viral trend of personalized teacher-student greetings—from elaborate handshakes to unique high-fives—and discover how these simple rituals are transforming classroom culture, making students feel valued, and leaving an unforgettable impact on their educational journey.
In classrooms across the nation, a heartwarming trend has taken hold: teachers are connecting with their students through personalized handshakes and custom greetings. These elaborate rituals, often going viral on social media, are more than just fun interactions; they are powerful tools for building strong student-teacher bonds, boosting engagement, and creating an inclusive, positive learning environment that students remember for a lifetime.
The practice highlights the crucial role relationships play in education, transforming everyday classroom entry into a moment of individual recognition and shared joy.
The Latest Viral Sensation: David Jamison II
A recent example of this powerful trend is David Jamison II, a third-grade English Language Arts teacher at Power Center Academy Southeast Elementary School in Memphis, Tennessee. Known on Instagram as “The Dope Educator,” Jamison recently returned to classroom teaching after a four-year hiatus as a recruitment advisor. His custom greetings, which include high fives, handshakes, and even toe taps, have captivated social media users and garnered widespread acclaim.
For Jamison, returning to teach third grade holds deep personal significance; it was the grade he failed as a young student. As he previously shared with Good Morning America, “This year is a new beginning for me. I am returning to 3rd grade, moving from once being [counted] out to counted on.” This personal connection fuels his dedication to fostering strong bonds with his students through these unique greetings, a practice he told Good Morning America helps boost the connection he nurtures with them.
The Enduring Impact of Personalized Greetings
The concept of personalized greetings isn’t new. It’s a strategy that numerous educators have adopted over the years, recognizing its profound impact on student well-being and academic success. Research consistently shows that positive teacher-student relationships lead to better outcomes for students, both inside and outside the classroom. According to Edutopia, building strong connections fosters a sense of belonging and psychological safety, which are critical for learning.
These custom interactions make students feel seen and valued as individuals, creating a powerful sense of community within the classroom. They transform a simple entry into a classroom into a daily ritual of connection, setting a positive tone for the entire school day.
Pioneers of the Viral Handshake Trend
One of the earliest teachers to gain widespread attention for this practice was Barry White, Jr., a fifth-grade English teacher at Ashley Park Elementary School in Charlotte, North Carolina. In 2017, White’s personalized handshakes, which often incorporated popular dance moves like the dab and the milly rock, went viral. Inspired by LeBron James’ unique greetings with his teammates, White wanted to bring a similar sense of closeness and trust to his classroom. He emphasized that the relationship and rapport built with students are the “most critical component” of teaching, as reported by ABC News.
In 2018, another teacher, Mike Ponce de Leon, also went viral for his epic handshake with student Amaya Peña, further cementing the trend’s presence on social media.
Adapting to Challenges: Contactless Greetings and Lasting Legacies
The importance of these personalized greetings became even more apparent during challenging times. In October 2020, Mary Schulz, a third-grade teacher at Rockwell Elementary in Rockwell, Iowa, gained viral fame for her individualized, contactless handshakes. These greetings allowed her to maintain connection with her students while adhering to health and safety protocols during the pandemic. Even as students had to quarantine, the handshakes continued, evolving to become more complicated as the children themselves became more invested in the ritual.
Sadly, the pandemic also brought a tragic loss to the community of teachers known for these heartwarming connections. Zelene Blancas, a beloved teacher from El Paso, Texas, who went viral in 2018 for videos of her young students choosing hugs, handshakes, high-fives, or fist bumps as a welcome to class, passed away in late 2020 due to COVID-19. Even during remote learning, Blancas worked tirelessly to make her students feel welcome, delivering care packages of masks, candy, and school supplies. Her dedication to fostering connection, even in the most difficult circumstances, left an indelible mark.
The Lasting Legacy of Heartfelt Connections
The stories of these educators underscore a fundamental truth about teaching: connection is at its heart. Whether through elaborate handshakes, high-fives, or simple personalized greetings, these teachers are not just delivering content; they are fostering an environment where students feel welcomed, understood, and excited to learn.
These rituals create:
- Stronger Bonds: Daily personalized interaction strengthens the teacher-student relationship.
- Increased Engagement: Students are more excited to come to school and participate in class.
- Positive Classroom Culture: An atmosphere of respect, fun, and individual recognition is cultivated.
- Lasting Memories: Many students cherish these unique greetings long after they leave the classroom.
- A Sense of Belonging: Each student feels seen and important, contributing to their overall well-being.
As more teachers embrace this viral trend, the legacy of these heartfelt connections continues to grow, proving that sometimes, the simplest gestures can have the most profound and lasting impact on a child’s educational journey and life.
