Ellen’s Life-Changing Gift for Teacher Who Pampers His Students

I love this next story. After learning that his

students

couldn't afford a haircut, a kindergarten

teacher

in DC was inspired to invite his school to a pamper day. His videos from that day have received millions of views. Have a look. Oh girl. Let me see. Oh, dirty. Yeah, . Oh, that's a good cut. Let me see that. Yes sir. I would love to see it. Let me see those nails, girl. You had to bring the lip gloss. Very good, good night. Oh my. He still has it. You still have it? Do you like it? Yes sir. He still has it.

Yes sir. From Washington, DC, please welcome Azel Prather. This is crazy. You are an amazing guy. You are a good, good man. I apreciate it. Well, I understand that your

students

and your family are excited that you are here. We love Elena. My parents are here. They love Elena. My grandmother is probably... Hello, grandmother. He's probably looking at me. They look at Ellen too. They know who is there. So... Hi, Grandma, I'm Ellen. Yes. They were here. That's so cool. Alright, tell everyone about your school. So it's a Title I school. I have about 350 students. I work in early childhood education.

I am from preschool to kindergarten, that is, I am between three and five years old. And it's practically like a safe haven for us. You can come in. And they know that when we're at school, it's a great place for them. It's a safe place for them and we're going to learn to have fun. Yes. It's a safe haven because, well, yes. That's what you expect all schools to be. Not all schools are that. Yes. It's a different type of neighborhood. My kids go to things we probably couldn't imagine. It is dominated by crime and poverty.

Sometimes we are at recess. We may hear gunshots and have to go inside. So, for them to be able to come in and come to my class and come to that school, and know that we're good here, that we're going to be good, and that we're going to have some fun, that's what I want to give them. Okay, so you're providing all of that. And then you decided to add pamper day to that. Yes Yes Yes. How did that come about? I only know the stories of my children. I know that many of my parents might have multiple jobs.

They don't have time to take their children to get their hair, nails, or haircuts done. Sometimes they may not have the resources or the money. So I just wanted to find a way to be able to communicate it to him. And I know what it does for them. I know how I feel when I cut my hair. I see you fixed your hair. I know how you feel. So I wanted them to have the same joy and feel the same joy. So I wanted to convey that to them and I was glad I was able to do that.

How did you put that together? You must have contacted people. Yes. I reached out to a lot of people in the community, to my friends, to my resources, and just asked them to come and provide for me. And everyone says yes. And they were able to help me and make my children smile. Yeah, I mean, the kids' reactions, that's beautiful. Yes. Then you call your children, your family. Yes, they are my students. But they are literally my nieces, my nephews, my sons, my daughters, my little cousins. Whatever that kingdom is, I am that to them. And I love being that for them.

It is much more than a simple

teacher

/student issue. I worry about them outside of school. I go to their games on the weekends. I'm picking them up. I'm in cheerleading competitions. They come to kick with me. We go to Dave & Buster's, Chuck E. Cheese. They are my friends. So it literally means that I want to be there in every area that I can be for my children. How lucky they are to have a teacher like you. That is incredible. Alright, more Azel after this. We'll be back. We return to DC Professor Azel Prather. And your students sound amazing.

So of course I wanted to meet some of them. So come out, kids. That? (SINGING) Clap your hands if you feel like you're in a room without a roof. Because I'm happy. Clap your hands if you feel that happiness is the truth. Because I'm happy. Clap your hands if you know what happiness means to you. Because I'm happy. That's crazy. Hello. Look at your hair, it looks good. What are you saying? Thank you. You are welcome. Okay, tell me your name. Lyric. Lyric. Love. Love. Journey. Journey. Journey. Very good, Lyric, Amar, Journey. OK. Do you want to tell me why you like this man so much?

Yes. No, he goes through the entire list. Tell them all. Tell them all the reasons. Tell them the full list. He teaches dancing. Yes. Yes. We dance. How to dance? I can't wait to see that. What else do we do, Amar and Journey? Shall we do something else? He makes sure we are happy every day. Oh that's good. Make sure you are happy every day. That is the most important. Hey, listen, is this your first time on a plane? Yes. Oh, how was that? Fun. Yes. What did you like about that? What did they do on a plane?

I saw airplanes. OK, we were in one. Do you see? I saw one through the window. You shouldn't see one that close. I see the city. The city? I saw the clouds. The clouds, yes, up there. And now you're going to stay in a hotel. How is the hotel? Fun. Yeah? It was fun. What is so funny? What do you keep asking about? Go where? The pool! Oh yes, the pool. It's okay, you were spoiled. What was the most fun part of being pampered? My nails. Yeah? The ones? My hair. My hair. Yes, it's all... my hair, my nails.

You are a good man. Like I said, you do so many things. You walk students home, you take care of them on weekends, you go to sporting events, you constantly pay out of pocket, which many teachers do to help your students and their families buy clothes, shoes and food. You help Santa deliver

gift

s to the 342 students at your school. Thank you. And instead of fixing your car, which is currently in the shop, you spent $7,000 to start a foundation to help your students. Yes. I didn't realize how much a nonprofit really cost. But I knew that by doing so I will be able to reach more people and more people will be able to help me and donate.

You do what you have to do in order... Sure. We will win. Instead of fixing your car. Sure. Alright, I'm partnering with Hyundai to honor people who improve the lives of their communities. Do not do that. And they want to make your

life

even better with a new Hyundai Sonata. Come on. That is crazy. Oh, that's crazy. Come in, come in. Where are you going? Oh, this is nice. This is pretty. Yes I like this. I like this too. Oh my God. Sonata is elegant and stylish. And it can park itself at the touch of a button.

And we also want to help your students go... I want you to see... Look in the trunk. There's plenty of room back here. That's crazy. Come on. No. We want to give your foundation $20,000. Oh Lord. Oh my God. Elena, is this real? This is real. Really? Thank you so much. This is crazy. Alright. We'll be right back.