On the Road: A tough teacher's alter ego

As part of our continuing series "On the Road," Steve Hartman meets the students of St. Francis High School near Los Angeles who thought they knew everything about their math teacher, Jim O'Connor. But what they found out at a local hospital taught them a life lesson.

[@kholomokolo]

When you know loneliness. You don't want that for others

[@slcncr]

So true.

[@Chaspickle]

Wow....that really hit home for me...well said!

[@jessicawilliams3995]

Well said 💪🏽

[@keeshabrown7353]

Yeah. Sometimes we treat others the way we wish we were treated when in similar situations. Adversity can increase compassion and empathy.

[@ericaploof998]

True

[@Crazymofoinamajikbox]

He puts the babies to sleep with cuddling and he puts his students to sleep with calculus.

[@mltmitchell1223]

I'm sorry. That's funny.

[@discovegan5056]

yeah that was good lol

[@lianecajipe5138]

Oh my God...XD

[@christinebailey9935]

True, but he also puts them in great colleges

[@jammer3618]

Moronic statement.

[@FlutterBoy16]

That man is the reason I was able to attend Purdue University. Calculus was never a challenge for me when I first started at Purdue and it never will be. Thank you Mr. O'Connor.

[@princealmighty5391]

What does he mean by school cant be fun though

[@applezshena5742]

@@princealmighty5391 a student can't love all the subjects and topics all the time. Not everything interests a typical student. There are times that you have to endure hours in a classroom.

[@princealmighty5391]

@@applezshena5742 that's true temporary pain in learning leads to progress in life Never thought of it that way thanks!

[@SeanShimamoto]

Mother Russia I love how you both just had such a nice, simple, polite dialogue...and especially liked that you thank you for giving you a new perspective. Sorry, these things are just refreshing in a KZbin world of people attacking each other. 😁

[@princealmighty5391]

@@SeanShimamoto lol I try to be Cheers buddy

[@jeniccadeniselivara4300]

He looks young for a 70-year-old man.

[@sastre8727]

No wife no kids.

[@JAVONEETHEMOMMY]

Taylor Richardson 😂

[@sarahjanesbooher8961]

True

[@naomigoldberg6544]

All that baby cuddling. I call it Baby Therapy. It's healthy for all involved. ❤️❤️❤️

[@xbear7473]

He looks 50

[@poolhall9632]

“I don’t want to see them alone…you can’t do that” Never married. No kids. This man wanted to be a father and didn’t get the chance. He’s alone and the babies are a safe way for him to feel unconditional love.

[@muffs55mercury61]

The way divorce courts treat men I can't say I blame him.

[@StrawberryLanes]

I worry that being unmarried might be a result of ptsd but regardless I’m glad he spends his time this way.

[@samanthab1923]

Whatever he gets from them is a pittance compared to the love he gives them.

[@JL-fx5cm]

When I was in middle school, there was a male teacher that the students made fun of because he wore a colostomy bag. What no one knew is that he was in Vietnam and jumped on a grenade to save his fellow soldiers. Cheers to a great teacher, man, husband, father and patriot.

[@MrLakers92]

Either way to make fun of a man with a colostomy bag is mess

[@Lynda957]

Your story made me burst into tears. Wish people weren’t so cruel when they feel uncomfortable.

[@faebalina7786]

He is very very paternal and compassionate.Explains why his job and volunteering involves children.Its his way of being the parent he couldn't.Society needs people like him.Very admirable.A traditional man.Strong,disciplined but kind and compassionate.

[@keeshabrown7353]

Balanced

[@haruk2312]

'Traditional' lol

[@el7jake]

Maybe better to say a traditional teacher but no matter. His students will remember him for years to come. How many people can say that about you?

[@Sprite_525]

Mr O’Connor taught me math at Harvard-Westlake 25 years ago. He explained that we had no discipline and that this was why he was tough: cuz life would just get tougher if we didn’t develop discipline. I never forgot him. It’s great that he’s getting appreciated.

[@evamz9584]

Thats beautiful 💗 what a gem of a man. Do you know how he is doing today?

[@deanouellette1868]

"He is the epitome of a man of service."

[@thealkones7327]

You are not what you say, you are what you do..

[@maryannsmith4160]

So true,only action not words define a person..😊

[@aintdatsomeshit682]

Damn that hit me deep

[@patriciawickholm3617]

It is not what you do, it is who you are.

[@phy124]

gamer joker moment

[@napachick100]

Actions speak louder than words! Go ahead and put others down with words, when you do not even that person. Sorry, trump, your actions speak louder than your words.

[@officialnezquick]

He reminds me of my chem teacher back in high school. Same 70 year old veteran, very stern and straightforward and was notorious for being disliked in school, but I took the time to talk to him and realized how nice he was when you got to know him. When I had some health problems I had to start homeschooling and when I was searching for a someone to teach me chem and pre-calc, he immediately stepped up and took time every Friday to come to my house and teach me that weeks lesson for two classes! We talked about everything under the sun and when I ended up getting a kidney transplant, he was one of the first people to visit me in the hospital. We’re still in contact now that I’m in college and we actually send each other our favorite books every month. I miss him dearly and this video let me remember a really great person during a difficult time in my life 🥰

[@lrigdrenlrigdren2147]

Thank you for sharing that lovely story! Please always stay in touch with your teacher! Whether we have our own families or not, our students are family too. I am so glad you got to know him and grow close, an I know he is proud to know you! Hope you are doing well these days!

[@richcook2007]

For men like that it wasn't about nicey-nice. It was about doing what was right.

[@joebone3151]

Sounds great I had some cool teachers I wished I talked to more or was still in contact with

[@leeyoww8458]

I pray for this teacher to really feel that he's still loved even though he doesn't have a family. God bless this guy

[@patriciafaison9164]

Family isn't always blood. He has a family.

[@Brucev7]

Yes, I posted a prayer for God to bring him a wonderful, Christian lady, amen

[@tcareccia]

“I don’t want to see them alone.” Unbelievable. Jim O’Connor for president 2020!

[@Bonzi_Buddy]

Holding babies doesn't make someone a good President, dumba$$.

[@kathyannpardi9888]

Bonzi Buddy, Taking kid's away from parents, and putting them in cages doesn't either.

[@breonnakirkland2614]

Yes he's got my vote!!!😍😍😍

[@merrilouneigenfind104]

@@Bonzi_Buddy Jim O'Connor is a human being.

[@Bonzi_Buddy]

@@kathyannpardi9888 Obama's cages and Biden's full cages?

[@alison4316]

"He's the epitome of service." Wise words from a kid 💕

[@melissaborowy4241]

He just loves children. Teaching, holding, comforting. He’s dedicated his life to children inside and outside the classroom and that’s amazingly beautiful

[@animals4eva11]

It's too early in the morning for me to be crying. Dx

[@lazybeastz182]

mr early morning man!!

[@stealthyhighlights2545]

Same

[@caninho1]

do you wanna cry 5 years later maybe?

[@Saturn57]

The way that baby was looking at him 😭😭

[@GothicSilverWolf666]

To everyone who's taking issue with him and his views on school and fun, he's not saying that he things that fun is a bad thing. He said himself that it's a nice thing if school is fun. But that's not the primary purpose of school. Many teachers, in an effort to get their student to like them, throw out education as the primary purpose of school and instead focus their attentions on entertaining and making friends with the kids. If a teacher can teach and make it fun at the same time, then more power to them, but the only obligation a school has is to educate, so the saying that 'school SHOULD be fun' is what he takes issue with.

[@jamesonian90]

Exactly. And he is a math teacher for Pete's sake. It's very difficult to make advanced math "fun." Having a likable personality helps, but there aren't many ways to be creative or humorous.

[@jonharwood1639]

Yep. We need competent math teachers for our schools. We can't make teachers take a personality test to see if they will be entertaining for the students.

[@sriramchandramouli394]

Thank you for this!

[@mawisimte7947]

Amen to that

[@kaistockman6443]

My math teacher in HS made it fun. My brother was a hard teacher but made class fun. Both are possible.

[@itstayayg193]

We are losing teachers like him. Pay the teachers and keep public schools healthy. Education is an absolute necessity!!!!

[@yesterdayitrained]

This man, these stories, make all the difference in the world. Thank you.

[@Brucev7]

Bless Steve and his family

[@addisonraee7507]

The way that baby was looking at him 😭😭

[@m.l.r9139]

He probably was holding and loving on some of his students when they were babies at that very hospital....

[@dustinnunez5077]

Wow I think you’re absolutely right. That would be amazing. 😁

[@AFRIKTODAY]

The essence of Manhood!

[@fenecofeneco19]

in your delusional dreams

[@annika9348]

@@fenecofeneco19 no

[@rochelleroman8072]

Met Jim at CHLA and the way he talking to the babies is so loving and caring 🥺♥️ making sure they are not lonely and get their rest

[@samanthab1923]

That’s good to know he’s still tending to the little ones 🙏🏻

[@sylvialiotta3415]

Brought me to tears...the sweetest story!! God Bless Jim O'Connor!

[@NadiaGirl1]

Sylvia Liotta I though it was the onions

[@ls-kk4pq]

7 yrs later I see this again, and am still moved. Thanks.

[@OhighOSkater]

The classic badass with a heart of gold. Gotta love it. Respect to him

[@timrocks7]

People!!!!! This is a real man!!!! Remember this video, we don't need to conceal all emotion. We don't need to not care at all, we just need to do what makes us feel the best. Everyone is capable of amazing things but you just need to give yourself a chance

[@izzyehbella]

KesselRunHero not all the time.

[@lightninggaming016]

Facts

[@winkie3331]

"I don't like to see 'em alone... y'can't do that." 😭😭💖

[@colombianflag717]

I know those words touch me to the cord.

[@lisamezik3523]

"The epitome of a man of service"....outstanding!

[@mikewrasman5103]

That is a quote from the Jesuit Catholic religious order.

[@mikewrasman5103]

Pat learned extremely well!

[@andrewrossetti5628]

1:54 “When he isn’t torturing kids with calculus, he’s on a whole nother tangent…” I wonder how many ppl caught this pun. If you didn’t know, the tangent line is one of the fundamental concepts of calculus and it represents the slope of a curve at a certain point, or the rate at which something is changing.

[@brandonwilkins102]

I just want an update on his story

[@taniamarie8904]

Omg that little baby with all that hair & her little ears pierced! Too precious!

[@patriciadavid8640]

What a wonderful person.all babies need cuddled .GOD bless him

[@DabdaddyJoe69]

I donate blood and platelets at CHLA, it started of for my kiddo who had a transplant and for a friend who kid was fighting cancer. It's a feel good feeling when you lend help to those that need it. Better to serve then to be served. This man has impacted many lives. The world needs more people like that.

[@claramckenzie6558]

Tall, handsome, strong, and secure goes a very long way; even with newborns. At 6'5 or so, i felt like i was flying when my daddy had me in his arms and that's a feeling that is hard to duplicate.

[@chinemeremudoh3732]

I hear you Clara.

[@sandraatkins2539]

This shows we don't necessarily know what professionals do outside of their jobs to make the world a better place. I am delighted that the students found out on their own, as opposed to their teacher telling them. The nuns taught us to "do good and disappear." This teacher is my kind of hero.

[@mirandawhitten5254]

I once had a tough teacher. His class was right after lunch and I would always go in early and just talk to him. He was nice and a great person. Nobody really liked his teaching style for our grade(definently not a highschool freshman teacher) but he was a nice guy to talk to. I felt bad because no one else ever really tried to understand the guy. He ended up leaving halfway through the year.

[@sashaflip7450]

It’s 2022 and I just looked up the man and read his story. Wow. What an incredible life and story. He recently received an award for his service. I wish him well.

[@marigeobrien]

Shocker. Teachers are people, too.

[@Callsigncharlie100]

He’s more than. A person...he’s a good person. Very rare.

[@Raphtalia.Everyone]

Once a soldier Always a soldier. I salute this man.

[@KCsFunHouse]

What a treasure this man is!! He’s giving those babies a wonderful start to life, he’s donating blood to help save lives and he’s teaching to enrich lives... amazing!

[@cjisavailable]

I want to be a baby holder volunteer

[@christineboll9478]

Christian: Me, too. I love babies.

[@justanothersmith6012]

Christine Boll Expect to end up with one or , you know ...... 7 😬 👱🏻‍♀️👩🏼🧑🏼🧒🏻👦🏿👶🏿👶🏾 There was a notice for baby cuddlers in our church bulletin🤷🏻‍♀️

[@estherselvarani88]

If that was a real job in my city I'd loveee to volunteer

[@justanothersmith6012]

Hermione Granger Children’s Hospitals everywhere have volunteer programs like this.

[@mikewrasman5103]

Not only in children's hospitals but in other hospitals as well need volunteers. It will give you so much satisfaction.

[@vtvargo]

Mr. O’Connor is one angel sent to those who need his love and comfort the most. Thank you Mr O’Connor for one of the most important lessons of my life, I will never forget you 💜

[@mirrorflame1988]

"Mother, Father, Teacher, God" - is what we say in India. That shows the high regards people have for teachers. Sadly, some bad applies, commercialization, bad pay and similar have ruined the name of teachers but people like him are a true representation of what a teacher is. Keep it up!

[@Ale-uh2ry]

One time in middle school I was watching the news very late and I saw my math teacher on the tv. It was his story of adopting a child, I was shooketh

[@marcelolibermandeloreto5252]

So its 2 am and this made me cry because my dad is like that. Tuff with a big heart. I wish i could see my dad every day.

[@p.wiestaseekinggodsway287]

He is so wonderful God bless you Sir, and all the beautiful babies.

[@quotidian5077]

He is a part of every person he's helped.

[@christinanagel7280]

God bless you Jim.

[@veronicachristopher9321]

He did alllll that and didnt brag or speak of it. His good deeds were discovered. Such a good man deserves the credit. ❤

[@alyzu4755]

When I was in high school there was a teacher, a former Marine, who taught senior English. He always stood in the hallway, sternly telling students to get to class. We were all a bit afraid of him. Until we took his class. He was the sweetest, kindest, most involved teacher in the entire school. He adored teaching, and he loved his students.

[@HLidaze]

He doesnt need a kid to make such a difference. He teaches kids and this is his spare time? Bless him ♡

[@user-fz4ts6fv6o]

We need more teachers like you,Sir! We need more people like you!

[@OzzieOzzieOzzieOyOyOy]

He reminds me of my old teacher, a real tough man with a heart of gold.

[@BrandyD1777]

"The epitome of a Man Of Service." Wel said. 👏👏

[@DaniBadger777]

What a shame this man never got a chance to be a father. He would’ve been a wonderful dad.

[@reneshay889]

An angel in disguise😇. God bless him!

[@Schismdays]

it's Christmas day and I was kinda bah humbug but I've been binge watching all these feelgood stories. and damn if I don't feel better!

[@summerskull9379]

You can _totally_ make school fun. It's just that not every teacher is capable of it.

[@cewe2003]

Summer Skull Thank you! I teach kindergarten and cannot imagine NOT making school fun!

[@__________________________7455]

C Ewe you have to, because of the age group, otherwise you won't be able to connect with them on their level.

[@allthingswavy6420]

I'm a teacher and this is the Best. Story. Ever.

[@deansapp4635]

Here on Veterans day I salute you Mr Jim O Conner You sir are................The Man. Thank you for everything you do, Sir

[@TheCrazymomto6]

Wow, that man has dedicated his life to children. Educating, comfort or life giving blood. What a wonderful man. You never know, you just never know!!

[@paulettewebb6807]

One more thing, look at what a positive impression he has left on this young man. Absolutely a beautiful story!

[@estellawobker3568]

Real lesson is life....what a wonderful humanbeing. Bless you.xx

[@ncredbird3998]

He is identical to my old math teacher.. Tough as nails, no nonsense and just one of his looks shook us to the core.. But I learned the most from my teacher. I didn't appreciate it as the time and just as his students didn't realise they had a sweet loving side we didn't know. Find it so touching that he comforts these babies. He there to give love and gentleness to these brand new souls. Hope his love for math rubs off on the nannies he holds, they'll have a great future if they do.

[@musicman76enator]

God Bless Jim O'Connor. He is a saint. 🙂❤❤❤👏👏👏

[@dee468]

He truly is the personification of “a man of service.” Blood donor, teacher and a volunteer at the hospital...wow.

[@AngelaShrum]

1) God Bless Mr. Jim O'Connor. What an amazing, touching story that proves you can never judge a book by its cover. 2) I want that volunteer job!!

[@SmoothSilk]

What a beautiful story. Bless his heart

[@JTCavey]

too damn early for tears

[@raigneman1531]

"The epitome of a man of service"... WELL SAID

[@yukomattingly]

He is a Vietnam Vet, thank you for your service. Amazing person!!

[@SherriDCollins]

A real man on the inside and outside.He doesn't EVEN LOOK 70!!! With his love and self-sacrifice, he is adding jewels to his crown in Heaven! God Bless You Jim O'Connor!

[@paulettewebb6807]

Never judge a book by its cover. Tough looking anterior with a deep loving ❤️ heart. What a beautiful man and thanks so much for your service!

[@maxramirez1129]

needed to hear this story this early morning. What a great guy. and maybe he thinks those babies are probably alone. Education will get them far when they grow up. still Thank u. Hopi g good Karma kisses u . again. ☺

[@nerinebeaumont4498]

He has a special heart. Bless him 👼💖

[@carolr4871]

This is why I come to KZbin, to cry over beautiful people doing wonderful things. Thank you.

[@jennymisteqq695]

Steve Hartman has the best job ever, and he does his best at it.

[@courtneyvalentine3646]

Wow!! He's so amazing.

[@kevindick7485]

Unsung hero ? Stories like this are needed here in 2023 . They provide a ray of hope to let us carry on in these very trying times.

[@PanzerMold]

"I don't want to see them alone. You can't do that." Wonderful.

[@becausehelivees4672]

this story gave me goosebumps. 💙

[@TheSean7564]

You are what you do …. Thank you, Mr. O'Connor for the reminder. May the Good Lord continue to use you.

[@vee421]

This story never fails to make me tear up. I wonder how he is doing right now? I’m hope he is healthy, safe, and happy.

[@RockDay-wv8jq]

Babies know who is a good person and show unconditional love. As much as he helps those babies, they help him too.

[@TakenTime2Enjoy]

The only part of the news that I love! On the Road. Thank you, for showing the good news, as well as all the other stuff.

[@KatzMarisays]

A blessing, that is what this man is. He looks like he has a tough exterior, I wish I had a math teacher like this, it shows he cares. If not tough they would get through it. Mine just did not care. The other activities is admirable. Sad that some people always have to criticize everything positive a person does.

[@ahmedshaharyarejaz9886]

Manly Tears were shed this day.

[@GregPappasJr]

Wonderful. I live near Frederick, Maryland and would also love to volunteer holding babies and caring for them. I have always been overjoyed with how precious they are.

[@jsmith9373]

That's a "True Hero" 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@jamo2006]

What a hero. Winner.

[@mayabrown3741park]

God has touched his heart. What a beautiful blessing he is to those babies and their families!!! ♥️♥️♥️God bless him!

[@Zorn76]

God Bless this teacher. Selflessness. Pass it on.

[@msinvincible2000]

What a man: he would have been a wonderful husband, and a great dad

[@Melissa-mi2ku]

When he said I can relate to them I was like: yeah I do too! I eat, sleep, cry, laugh and poop all day😊

[@francispua9803]

Amazing story of love, & generosity. Thank you Jim O'Connor for your alter ego of loving. Thank you &take care.

[@Hyurachan]

At that hospital, he's like every sick child's grandparent. That's too precious.

[@ksininjah2384]

I had a teacher that is a Vietnam vet. And everyone always thought he was mean. But really he is just strict cause of his training. He loves us all. But one thing is I swear he has guns in is classroom. He has a locked closet and opens it every once in awhile but no body knows wats inside we all swear it's a duffel bag full of guns. I hope I see a rpg in there. Lol

[@NickanM]

I would feel safe if he has guns, think of all the school shootings.....

[@Brucev7]

If you go through the horrors of battle, you have to get tough.

[@ljones98391]

I'd be really happy if my children were in a class with a teacher who had a gun nearby and knew how to use it. Good for him. 👍

[@ConstantThrowing]

Someone slicing onions near me?

[@theoeguia3302]

I'm sorry I was cooking. You want onions in your pizza too?

[@skunkmenot8405]

I'm watching this again years later. I loved this the first time I saw it, and I love it now. I am a teacher.

[@noname-hc7zr]

WOW, WHAT A MAN!!! GOD BLESS YOU MR. O'CONNOR!🙏💒🤗