Teachers play such a vital role in our communities, and too often, they don’t get the recognition they deserve.
These individuals dedicate themselves to educating, mentoring, advising, and serving as role models for younger generations. We regularly hear stories of teachers going above and beyond—and Jonathan Oliver’s recent gesture is a perfect example.
Oliver, a 34‑year‑old phys‑ed teacher and father of three at WG Nunn Elementary in Valdosta, Georgia, was captured on video tying a kindergartener’s hair into a ponytail during a school basketball game. Kristen Paulk, one of his youngest players, asked for help, and he knelt beside her, carefully doing her braids without realizing his gesture was being filmed by fellow teacher Kandice Anderson.
The video—titled “When your job goes beyond teaching!”—quickly went viral and eventually led to an appearance on Good Morning America. Oliver was surprised by the widespread attention, saying, “We all do it,” it’s just part of his day: “To me, it was just a ponytail.” He emphasized they strive to create a safe, comfortable environment where kids genuinely enjoy being at school.
Kristen’s mom, Miyah Cleckley, shared that the video warmed her heart, adding, “I always know Kristen is in very good hands with him. … Her father 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 heartwarming incident is just one of many that highlight how teachers are unsung heroes in our lives.
What a touching moment! What are your thoughts on this story?
