Teachers, despite their crucial role in
society, often receive the lowest compensation.
A person who devotes their life to
instructing, advising, and mentoring the next generation is a rare find.
There are countless examples of
instructors exceeding expectations to support their students.
For
example, Jonathan Oliver, a physical education teacher at WG Nunn Elementary
School in Valdosta, Georgia, was recently acknowledged for a selfless act
during a kindergarten basketball game he was coaching.
He
would gladly help any student who sought assistance.
Oliver,
the kindergarten basketball coach of Kristen Paulk, intervened to help her tie
her hair back into a ponytail when she needed assistance.
With
unwavering focus, Oliver cleared Kristen's hair from her eyes, crouching down
to her level on the basketball court. Unbeknownst to him, his actions were
being recorded.
The
coach's considerate action was captured on camera by Kandice Anderson, a
teacher at the elementary school. She later shared the video on YouTube, where
it received widespread praise and positive feedback.
The
video was titled "When Teaching Goes Beyond the Classroom!" and
swiftly gained viral traction.
Following
the clip's circulation, Good Morning America reached out to the 34-year-old
father of three.
"It
was surprising to me that it garnered so much attention because we all do
things like that," Oliver told Good Morning America, noting that he wasn't
aware he was being recorded.
"We,
as teachers, aim to create an environment where students feel at home and
genuinely enjoy being here," he explained. "We strive to show them as
much care as possible. To me, it was simply tying a ponytail."
The
caring coach shared that Kristen had asked for his help in putting her hair in
a ponytail for the basketball game. While he often assists his daughter with
her hair, he was unsure about anything beyond that.
"It's
fortunate she asked for a ponytail. Anything more, and I'd say, 'You better ask
your mom,'" he quipped.
Miyah
Cleckley, Kristen's mother, shared with the outlet that the video deeply
resonated with her. She expressed her confidence that her daughter is well
cared for whenever she's with him. "I always trust that Kristen is in
excellent care with him. It was heartwarming because he often does their hair.
We have five daughters and one son, so when I'm busy, he takes on the
responsibility of styling their hair."
There are numerous instances of educators
going above and beyond for their students, and this is just one example. They
are undoubtedly heroes.
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