Teachers are among the most important and yet one of the most undervalued people of our community.
It takes a special person to dedicate their life to teaching, inspiring, giving advice, and mentoring future generations.
We constantly hear stories about teachers going above and above for others, particularly for the students they are responsible for.
One such hero is Jonathan Oliver, a physical education instructor at WG Nunn Elementary in Valdosta, Georgia.
Oliver was praised for his great deed to a kindergartener while officiating a basketball game.
When one of his students asked for his help, he was only too happy to help.
When Kristen Paulk, a kindergartener on Oliver’s basketball team, requested the coach to help her put her hair back in a ponytail, the coach acted.
Oliver appeared attentive as he knelt on a basketball to get to young Kristen’s level and struggled to tie her hair back away from her face. But he was unaware that he was being videotaped.
Actually, Kandice Anderson, a separate elementary school teacher, had videotaped the coach’s thoughtful deed and posted it online, where it was widely praised.
“When your job goes beyond teaching!” was the subtitle of the popular video.
After viewing the video, Good Morning America contacted the 34-year-old father of three and set up an interview.
“It was shocking to me that it got that much attention because we all do it,” Oliver said on Good Morning America, adding that he was unaware he was being recorded.
“We [teachers] want to make them feel like they’re at home and that they enjoy being here,” he continued. “We do our best to shower them with love. It was simply a ponytail to me.
Even though he usually helps his daughter with hairstyles, the gracious coach revealed to the source that Kristen had sought him for help during a basketball game with putting a ponytail on her hair. Unfortunately, he knows nothing more than that.
It was fortunate that she requested a ponytail. If you need anything else, you should ask your mum, he joked.
Miyah Cleckley, Kristen’s mother, told the publication that the video had a profound impact on her and said, “I always know that Kristen is in very excellent hands with him. Since her father frequently does their hair, I thought it was extremely adorable. He carries the burden of doing their hair when I’m at work because we have one son and five daughters.
There are countless examples of teachers going above and beyond for their kids, and this is just one of them. They are heroes for sure!
What are your thoughts on this charming tale? Comment below and let us know!
