Teachers are some of the most important people in our community, and yet they are one of the most undervalued.
It takes a special person to dedicate their life to educate others, serve as role models, give advice, and mentor the younger generations.
We often hear about how teachers have gone above and beyond to help others and, more specifically, the children in their care.
One such hero is Jonathan Oliver – a phys-ed teacher at WG Nunn Elementary in Valdosta, Georgia – who was recognized for his kind act towards a kindergartener while coaching a basketball game.
After one of his students came to him for assistance, he was only more than happy to help her.
When one of the kindergarteners on Oliver’s basketball team, Kristen Paulk, asked him to help tie her hair back in a ponytail, the coach sprang into action.
Taking a knee on a basketball to get down to little Kristen’s level, Oliver appeared concentrated as he worked on tying her braids back away from her face. Though, unbeknownst to him, he was being recorded.
In fact, Kandice Anderson, another teacher at the elementary school, filmed the coach’s sweet gesture — eventually posting it on YouTube, where he received heartfelt support from the public.
The title of the viral video read: “When your job goes beyond teaching!”
The footage eventually made its way to Good Morning America, who contacted the 34-year-old dad-of-three for an interview.
“It was sh.ocking to me that it got that much attention because we all do it,” Oliver Good Morning America, adding that he didn’t realize he was being filmed.
“We [teachers] want to make them feel likе they’re at home and that they enjoy being here,” he added. “We try to love on them as much as possible. To me, it was just a ponytail.”
The caring coach told the outlet that Kristen had asked him for help with putting a ponytail in her hair during a basketball game, but that his expertise sadly does not extend beyond that – even though he often helps with styling his daughter’s hair.
“It was a good thing she asked for a ponytail. Anything else, I’d say, ‘You better ask your mom,’” he joked.
Kristen’s mom, Miyah Cleckley, told the outlet that the video really touched her, saying: “I always know that Kristen is in very good hands with him. I thought it was really cute because her father he does their hair a lot. We have five girls and one son so when I’m working he has to pick up the weight of doing their hair.”
This story is just one of many stories about teacher’s going above and beyond for their students. They truly are heroes!
What did you think of this sweet story? Let us know in the comments!
I Was the Only One Who Went to My Grandma’s Birthday Brunch — After Seeing Her Tears, I Taught My Family a Lesson
My story begins badly but ends on a positive note. It’s about my Gran-Gran, the sweetest lady alive, who raised me and my brothers during our parents’ divorce. Ahead of her 83rd birthday, she surprised us by organizing a brunch at her place, despite her deteriorating health, making her own bread and pastries, and sending handwritten invites.
On her birthday, I arrived 10 minutes late to find her cleaning up alone. She admitted, “Sany, you aren’t too late, no one bothered showing up on my birthday. But it’s okay, sweetheart. I know everyone is busy.” My heart broke. Everyone had promised to be there, but none showed up. I hugged her and decided to take action.v
I lied to my family, saying Gran-Gran had fallen and was in the hospital, convincing them to send money for hospital bills. I collected a significant amount and used it to book a trip for Gran-Gran and me to a beach resort she’d always wanted to visit. We spent a week enjoying the sun, the sea, and each other’s company. I shared the trip images on social media, tagging all our family members.
When we returned, Gran-Gran was glowing. “Thank you for this, darling. It’s been the best week of my life,” she said. From that day on, my family never missed another event. They showed up for every birthday, holiday, and Sunday dinner. Every time I saw Gran-Gran’s happy face, I knew it had all been worth it. Do you think I overreacted and took things too far?
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