Whether you are teaching in the classroom or online, developing a short video introduction to share with learners is a great way to break the ice and alleviate some of the stressors that present at the start of a new academic year. This video shouldn’t be long or complex. Don’t overwhelm yourself or your viewers. Instead, aim for short and sweet! Draw on sales and marketing principles to create an effective academic elevator pitch that sells your skills and the educational experience you are aiming to facilitate.

State the basics. Provide your name. The name of the grade or course you will be teaching. The name of the institution with which you are affiliated. Articulate your overarching goal. For example, if you are teaching grade two, you might state that your goal is to provide a fun, inclusive grade two learning environment that challenges students to excel and propels them forward towards future learning goals. If you are teaching a secondary or post-secondary specialty you might note that your goal is to share your passion for chemistry and inspire students to develop the same love and appreciation for this academic field.

Share three exciting things (topics, activities, projects etc.) about the upcoming term. Again, keep this very brief, but provide enough details to hook the learner and get them excited about the learning experience you hope to provide.

Include a short statement that highlights what makes your approach to learning special, effective or unique. Don’t overthink this. You’re simply stating why you are a great educator . You can even draw this content directly from your own teaching and learning philosophy.

Close with a question that doesn’t require a yes or no answer. For example, you might want to ask viewers to think about what they hope to get out of their learning experience with you.

Some final thoughts! This video should be no longer than five minutes in length. I can’t stress enough the importance of keeping this message short and sweet. Make sure you’re thinking about the basics of video production. Film in a location with minimal noise and an appropriate background. Last but not least, be aware of your subconscious cues. Smile! Think about body language. Wear attire appropriate to your role. Maintain eye contact with the camera. Use a clear, kind tone of voice.