Fun, engaged, involved, and outgoing teachers make attending school a lot easier. When students are able to feel comfortable around their teachers, it not only helps any anxiety about attending school go away but also helps kids feel safe.
Inside Edition shared a video of a Florida middle school student and his teacher having an amazing dance-off. O’rian Person, 13, challenged his eighth-grade teacher to a dance battle in front of his peers and other students. At the beginning of the video, you see that O’rian has some impressive dance skills and is not shy when it comes to showing them off.
Shortly after O’rian is finished showing off his skills, teacher Yolanda Turner turns up the heat and shows the students what she is made of. As soon as Yolanda starts dancing, the surrounding students go crazy! I will say, she has got some moves. I would never have the guts to attempt any sort of dancing in front of middle school students!
The interviewer of Inside Edition says to Yolanda and O’rian, “Yolanda, based on crowd reaction, I think you won this dance-off. I’m gonna be honest,” and Yolanda replies, “Of course I did! I mean, you know, I love the kids. Don’t get it twisted. But I had to show O’rian and the rest of the crew just who they were dealing with!”
The interviewer then asks O’rian, “When you tagged her in, did you have any idea what you were getting into?!” O’rian replies, “No! Not at all! She is the first teacher that I’ve ever seen dance like that before.”
When I see teachers enjoying their jobs and clearly proving to the kids that they love being there, it makes my heart warm. There are many instances where kids don’t feel safe at home and need a place where they can feel safe. The teachers who put the effort out there to connect with their students and provide a safe environment have my respect and more.
To experience Yolanda and O’rian’s dance-off, watch the video!
