Teachers are some of the most important people in society, yet they often receive the least compensation. They spend their time teaching, guiding, and mentoring young ones, which is truly a rare and commendable dedication.
There are countless stories of educators going above and beyond for their students. One such inspiring example comes from Jonathan Oliver, a physical education teacher at WG Nunn Elementary School in Valdosta, Georgia. Recently, Oliver garnered admiration online for his kind gesture during a kindergarten basketball game.
Imagine being a child who needs a little help and having someone there ready to assist. That’s exactly what happened when Kristen Paulk, a kindergartener, required some assistance with her hair. Coach Oliver, who was leading the basketball game, didn’t hesitate to help her out.
Oliver knelt down to Kristen’s level and gently swept her hair back into a ponytail, making sure it was out of her eyes. What made this moment even more special was that Oliver had no idea he was being recorded.
Kandice Anderson, another elementary school teacher, captured this touching moment on video and shared it on YouTube. The video quickly went viral, receiving numerous positive comments and gaining the title “When your job goes beyond teaching!”
Following the video’s popularity, Good Morning America reached out to the 34-year-old father of three. Oliver expressed his surprise at the attention saying, “It shocked me that it got that much attention because we all do it.”
He added, “We want them to feel at home and like they enjoy being here. We love them as much as we can. To me, it was just a ponytail.”
Oliver shared that Kristen had asked for help with her ponytail for the game. He often styles his daughter’s hair, so it was a natural response for him. He humorously added, “She should have asked for a ponytail. If it was anything else, I’d tell her to ask her mom.”
The girl’s mother, Miyah Cleckley, was deeply moved by the video. She said, “He takes great care of Kristen, and I always know that she is in safe hands with him.” With a family of five girls and one boy, Cleckley mentioned that her husband is often the one styling their daughters’ hair while she is at work. The video resonated with her on a personal level, showing the care and dedication Oliver has for his students.
This heartwarming incident is just one of many examples of educators making a difference in their students’ lives. They are indeed everyday heroes.
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