The teacher who invented specialized greetings for each of his students is now being featured in a Gap campaign.
David Jamison, an educator in Tennessee, went viral for his ability to memorize about 75 distinct handshakes for each of the children he taught. According to Local 24, the Memphis teacher is featured in the GapKids Fall campaign that began its run on July 27 and will continue through Aug. 22.
Jamison earned internet fame in 2019 when a video of him doing the personalized greetings that often included a dance of some sort made its way onto social media. Jamison estimates that he has memorized over 200 greetings at this point.
“When I was a kid, I was always in trouble at school,” Jamison told the news outlet. “I realized that part of the reason why is because I didn’t have teachers who looked like me; I didn’t have someone I could relate to,” he said.
The educator decided that he would be a teacher and a role model to his fifth-grade students at Hickory Ridge Elementary School.
Known as “The Dope Educator,” David Jamison appears in the Gap campaign alongside some of his students.
The clothing brand chose Jamison because his commitment to individualism aligns with the brand’s ethos.
“We want to continue to use our platform for modern American optimism, individuality and believe that cultural expression is relevant,” a Gap representative said.
Dr. Joris Ray, Memphis-Shelby County Superintendent of Schools, proudly posted Jamison’s campaign on Twitter and said the district is currently prioritizing the safe return of students into its schools.
ON THE MAP! Thanks @GapInc for featuring our very own @thedopeeducator in the NATIONAL spotlight for his innovative and enthusiastic approach to EDUCATION.
We’re #Reimagining901 as we prioritize safety and welcome students BACK TO SCHOOL on August 9! >>https://t.co/LuwMsCFjUG pic.twitter.com/X2ZKbroU58
— Dr. Joris M. Ray (@SCSSuptRay) July 26, 2021
One of Jamison’s students told Gap that she could be herself in his class. That comfort is one of the first building blocks of learning. We wish them a safe school year!
