Sadly, many times workers in our community go unappreciated despite the vital role they play.
A special person must dedicate their life to mentoring the next generation, teaching others, setting an example, and providing counsel.
Narratives of teachers going above and beyond to help others, particularly the students they are responsible for, are common.
Jonathan Oliver, a physical education teacher at WG Nunn Elementary in Valdosta, Georgia, is one example of a hero. He received recognition for his considerate action toward a kindergarten student while coaching a basketball game.
He was more than happy to assist a pupil who sought for assistance.
Oliver’s coach hurriedly stepped in to help when Kristen Paulk, a kindergartener on the squad, begged him to help her pull her hair up in a ponytail.
Oliver got on a basketball and stooped to meet little Kristen’s eye level. As he gently braided her hair back to prevent them from falling into her face, he appeared to be very attentive. He was unaware that the entire event was being filmed.
Actually, the coach’s thoughtful deed was captured on camera by elementary school teacher Kandice Anderson, who then posted it to YouTube, where it received a ton of love and support.
The title of the widely popular video was “When your work is more than just teaching!”
After Good Morning America saw the video, they contacted the 34-year-old father of three to arrange an interview.
Oliver stated on Good Morning America that, given that everyone does it, he was genuinely shocked by the amount of attention it received. He added that he was unaware that he was being filmed.
The professors genuinely want the pupils to have a homey, joyful, and comfortable feeling. They try their hardest to be kind and encouraging to them. It was just a ponytail, for me.
During a basketball game, Kristen asked him to help her tie her hair into a ponytail. The considerate coach revealed this to the media. Even though he regularly assists in styling his daughter’s hair, he acknowledged that his abilities are limited to that.
“I am delighted she wanted a ponytail,” he said in jest. I would have responded, “You should really check with your mom about that,” if she had asked for something else.
Miyah Cleckley, Kristen’s mother, told the news that she was really touched by the video. “I always feel confident that he is taking good care of Kristen,” she remarked. The fact that her dad frequently does their hair made me think it was really cute. With five kids and one son, he takes over and assists with their hair while I am at work.
There are innumerable instances of educators going above and beyond for their kids, this story being just one of them. They are heroes in real life!
