Teachers are some of the most important people in our community, and yet they are one of the most undervalued.
It takes a unique person to commit their life to teaching others, being role models, offering advice, and guiding the younger generations.
We often hear stories about how teachers go the extra mile to support others, especially the kids they look after.
One such hero is Jonathan Oliver – a physical education teacher at WG Nunn Elementary in Valdosta, Georgia – who was honored for his kind act towards a kindergartener during a basketball game.
When one of his students needed help, he was more than willing to assist her.
When Kristen Paulk, a kindergartener on Oliver’s basketball team, asked him to help tie her hair back in a ponytail, the coach quickly got to work.
He knelt down on a basketball to be at little Kristen’s height, looking focused as he tied her braids back away from her face. Little did he know, someone was recording him.
Actually, Kandice Anderson, another teacher at the school, captured the coach’s sweet moment on video — later sharing it on YouTube, where he got a lot of love and support from people.
The viral video was titled: “When your job goes beyond teaching!”
The video eventually reached Good Morning America, who got in touch with the 34-year-old father of three for an interview.
“I was really surprised that it got so much attention because we all do it,” Oliver told Good Morning America, mentioning that he didn’t know he was being recorded.
“We [teachers] want to make them feel at home and enjoy being here,” he continued. “We try to show them as much love as we can. For me, it was just a ponytail.”
The thoughtful coach shared with the outlet that Kristen had asked him for help with her ponytail during a basketball game, but he admitted that his skills don’t go beyond that – even though he often helps style his daughter’s hair.
“It was a good thing she asked for a ponytail. If it was anything else, I’d say, ‘You better ask your mom,’” he joked.
Kristen’s mom, Miyah Cleckley, told the outlet that the video really moved her, saying: “I always know that Kristen is in very good hands with him. I thought it was really sweet because her dad does their hair a lot. We have five girls and one boy, so when I’m busy, he has to take on the responsibility of doing their hair.”
This story is just one of many that show teachers going the extra mile for their students. They really are heroes!
