Teachers are some of the most important people in our community, and yet they are one of the most undervalued.
It takes a special person to dedicate their life to educate others, serve as role models, give advice, and mentor the younger generations.
We often hear about how teachers have gone above and beyond to help others and, more specifically, the children in their care.
One such hero is Jonathan Oliver – a phys-ed teacher at WG Nunn Elementary in Valdosta, Georgia – who was recognized for his kind act towards a kindergartener while coaching a basketball game.
After one of his students came to him for assistance, he was only more than happy to help her.
When one of the kindergarteners on Oliver’s basketball team, Kristen Paulk, asked him to help tie her hair back in a ponytail, the coach sprang into action.
Taking a knee on a basketball to get down to little Kristen’s level, Oliver appeared concentrated as he worked on tying her braids back away from her face. Though, unbeknownst to him, he was being recorded.
In fact, Kandice Anderson, another teacher at the elementary school, filmed the coach’s sweet gesture — eventually posting it on YouTube, where he received heartfelt support from the public.
The title of the viral video read: “When your job goes beyond teaching!”
The footage eventually made its way to Good Morning America, who contacted the 34-year-old dad-of-three for an interview.
“It was sh.ocking to me that it got that much attention because we all do it,” Oliver Good Morning America, adding that he didn’t realize he was being filmed.
“We [teachers] want to make them feel likе they’re at home and that they enjoy being here,” he added. “We try to love on them as much as possible. To me, it was just a ponytail.”
The caring coach told the outlet that Kristen had asked him for help with putting a ponytail in her hair during a basketball game, but that his expertise sadly does not extend beyond that – even though he often helps with styling his daughter’s hair.
“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, told the outlet that the video really touched her, saying: “I always know that Kristen is in very good hands with him. I thought it was really cute because her father he does their hair a lot. We have five girls and one son so when I’m working he has to pick up the weight of doing their hair.”
This story is just one of many stories about teacher’s 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!
I Came Home to My Husband and His Ex Digging My Garden – What They Hid Years Ago Made Me Pale
This story captures an intense moment of betrayal, misunderstanding, and the tough emotions tied to moving on from the past in a relationship. Margaret’s experience highlights how fragile trust can be and how challenging it is to come face-to-face with unresolved history, especially when it’s physically unburied in front of her. Her reaction—burning the mementos of Martin and Janet’s past—shows her need for a clear boundary and a fresh start.
It’s also a reflection on the complexities of relationships: even the “perfect” partner may come with a history that still feels unresolved. This story brings up so many themes—trust, communication, and the messy aftermath of relationships that aren’t fully left in the past. Margaret’s choice to give herself space and set clear limits with Martin is powerful and relatable, showing the strength to handle hurt feelings without impulsive decisions on the future.
If you were in Margaret’s place, would you have done the same, or do you think there’s a different way to process and rebuild trust?
Leave a Reply