It’s the start of a new school year. Soon you will be standing at the head of a room full of new students and their parents. So instead of wearing out your voice with a long speech or sending an impersonal letter of introduction, make an even better first impression – create a video!
It doesn’t take long to put together a teacher introduction video for the first day of school, like the one below. Just use this Self-Introduction template and fill it in with all your need-to-know info. School is in session, so let’s begin!
Looking for a template that students can use to introduce themselves? Try this Class Intro template! Or, check out this full list of classroom video ideas.
What to include in your teacher introduction letter or video
Teacher introduction letters to parents help you to start out on the right foot with your students and their guardians. They tell them who you are, why you love being a teacher, and what they can expect in your classroom. Introduction videos take this one step further by adding a more personal and engaging touch!
Use your video to speak “face to face” and help them feel excited and confident to start the new year. Share a bit about yourself, add a few pictures of your classroom, and you are set up to make a warm and welcoming first impression. Here’s what you can include in your video!
1. Share why you love your subject
Most teachers list what they do, but rarely share why it’s important to them. Let students know why you’re excited about what you teach, and it may help them feel excited, too.
2. Give your educational background
Maybe you attended the very school you are teaching at. Or, maybe you're an alumni at a school one of your students wants to attend. Share your educational journey to help inspire their own. You can even include pictures of that awesome haircut you had in college.
3. Get personal
Get to know your students on a personal level and build a sense of trust by sharing a bit about yourself. Family photos, images of your hobbies, or candid video clips from the holidays can welcome students in and give them a sense of your personality.
4. Show what you’ll do during the year
Your video can set the tone for the rest of the year. Students will enjoy seeing pictures and video of previous classes to get an idea of what’s in store. Include images of you with previous students and special projects. You can also throw in a few pictures of you hanging out with the school mascot or cheering on the football team to show your school pride.
5. Keep it about a minute long
Since you’ll want students to watch your video all the way through, try to make your video a minute or less. Research shows viewers are more likely to watch to the end if you keep your video under the 60-second mark.
6. Mix your media
Try to combine photos, video clips and text to tell your story and grab attention. If you can’t find the images you need, check our Getty Images library of stock photos and video clips.
7. Choose the right music
Use our music filters to find a genre you love or a song that matches the mood of your video. You can also upload your own licensed music if you have a special song in mind for your video.
Introduce yourself to your class
Teacher instruction videos give students a window into who you are and what they can expect in the coming year. It’s also a lot of fun to make and share! Whether teaching your students in person or in the online classroom, you can connect with your students (and their parents) using video.
