Teachers are some of the most important people in our community, and yet they remain one of the most undervalued. It takes a special kind of person to dedicate their life to educating others, serving as role models, giving advice, and mentoring younger generations.
We often hear about how teachers go above and beyond to help their students. One such hero is Jonathan Oliver, a phys-ed teacher at WG Nunn Elementary in Valdosta, Georgia. He was recently recognized for a kind act towards a kindergartener while coaching a basketball game.
When one of his students needed assistance, he didn’t hesitate to help. Little Kristen Paulk, a kindergartener on Oliver’s basketball team, asked him to tie her hair back in a ponytail. The dedicated coach immediately sprang into action.
Taking a knee on a basketball to get down to Kristen’s level, Oliver concentrated as he worked on tying her braids back. Unbeknownst to him, he was being recorded.
Kandice Anderson, another teacher at the school, filmed the coach’s sweet gesture. She posted it on YouTube, where it received an outpouring of heartfelt support from the public. The title of the viral video read: “When your job goes beyond teaching!”
Eventually, the footage made its way to Good Morning America, who contacted the 34-year-old dad-of-three for an interview.
“It was shocking to me that it got that much attention because we all do it,” Oliver shared with Good Morning America, adding that he didn’t realize he was being filmed. “We [teachers] want to make our students feel like they’re at home and that they enjoy being here. We try to love on them as much as possible. To me, it was just a ponytail.”
The caring coach explained that Kristen had asked him for help with her ponytail during the game. While he often helps style his daughter’s hair, his expertise doesn’t extend much beyond that.
“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, was deeply touched by the video. “I always know that Kristen is in very good hands with him. I thought it was really cute because her father does their hair a lot. We have five girls and one son, so when I’m working, he has to pick up the slack of doing their hair,” she said.
This story is just one of many about teachers 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!
