Teachers are some of the most essential individuals in our community, yet they are also among the most underestimated.

It takes a rare individual to devote their life to educating others, serving as role models, offering advice, and mentoring future generations.

We frequently hear how instructors have gone above and beyond to assist others, particularly the youngsters in their care.

One such hero is Jonathan Oliver, a physical education teacher at WG Nunn Elementary in Valdosta, Georgia, who was honored for his kindness to a kindergartner while coaching basketball.

When one of his pupils approached him for aid, he was delighted to assist her.

When Kristen Paulk, a kindergartner on Oliver’s basketball team, begged him to help put her hair up in a ponytail, the coach sprang into action.

Oliver took a knee on a basketball to get down to Kristen’s level and worked hard to tie her braids back away from her face. He was unaware that someone was filming him.

In reality, Kandice Anderson, another elementary school teacher, videotaped the coach’s kind gesture and later posted it on YouTube, where he received sincere support from the public.

The tape ultimately reached Good Morning America, which called the 34-year-old father of three for an interview.

“It was shocking to me that it got so much attention because we all do it,” Oliver told Good Morning America, adding that he had no idea he was being videotaped.

“We [teachers] want to make them feel like they’re at home and that they enjoy being here,” he told me. “We strive to show them as much affection as possible. To me, it was simply a ponytail.”

The compassionate coach told the source that Kristen had requested his help placing a ponytail in her hair during a basketball game, but that his ability does not extend beyond that, although he frequently assists in arranging his daughter’s hair.

“It was a good thing she requested a ponytail.” “Anything else, I’d say, ‘You better ask your mom,'” he laughed.

Kristen’s mother, Miyah Cleckley, told the publication that the video deeply moved her, stating, “I always know Kristen is in extremely excellent hands with him. I thought it was incredibly sweet because her father does their hair frequently. He has to fix their hair while I’m at work, since we have five daughters and one son.

This is just one of several instances of teachers who go above and beyond for their students. They certainly are heroic!