Despite being among the most significant members in our community, teachers are also among the most underappreciated.
It takes a unique individual to devote their life to mentoring the next generation, educating others, and acting as role models and advisors.
We frequently hear about educators who have gone above and beyond to support others, particularly the kids under their supervision.
Jonathan Oliver, a physical education teacher at WG Nunn Elementary in Valdosta, Georgia, is one such hero. He was honored for his compassionate actions toward a kindergartener during a basketball game.
He was more than delighted to assist one of his students after she approached him for aid.
The coach jumped into action when Kristen Paulk, a kindergartener on Oliver’s basketball team, begged him to assist her in putting her hair back in a ponytail.
Oliver seemed focused as he struggled to tie Kristen’s locks back away from her face while kneeling on a basketball to bring himself down to her level. However, he was unaware that he was being filmed.
The coach’s kind action was actually captured on camera by Kandice Anderson, another elementary school teacher, who later uploaded it to YouTube, where the public enthusiastically embraced him.
“When your job goes beyond teaching!” was the title of the widely shared video.
After some time, the video reached Good Morning America, who reached out to the 34-year-old father of three to interview him.
Oliver Good Morning America stated that he was unaware that he was being filmed, saying, “It was shocking to me that it got that much attention because we all do it.”
He continued, “We [teachers] want them to feel at home and that they enjoy being here.” We make every effort to show them our affection. It was simply a ponytail to me.
Although he frequently assists with his daughter’s hairstyle, the loving coach informed the source that although Kristen had requested him for assistance arranging a ponytail in her hair during a basketball game, his knowledge regrettably does not go beyond that.
It was fortunate that she requested a ponytail. “You better ask your mom,” he quipped, “if you have any other questions.”
The video truly moved Kristen’s mother, Miyah Cleckley, who told the outlet: “I always know that Kristen is in very good hands with him.” The fact that her father frequently does their hair made me think it was adorable. He has to take on the responsibility of doing our five girls’ and son’s hair while I’m at work.
There are numerous examples of teachers going above and beyond for their students, this being just one of them. They really are heroes!
