Students praise Mr Stevenson after viral school celebration video

A teacher identified as Mr Stevenson is being praised by students at Nelson Mandela Community College after a viral video showed him becoming emotional during a surprise celebration held for him in August.

Several students described him as more than a classroom teacher, saying he has acted as a father figure, uncle, brother and friend. They said he encourages them to complete assignments, uses TikTok to remind them about schoolwork, and makes lessons easier to understand despite the workload.

One student said Mr Stevenson’s influence had changed how he viewed school. The student said he now enjoys attending classes and has seen improvement across his subjects since entering grade 10. Others said his strictness is rooted in care, adding that they respect him because he wants the best from them.

Mr Stevenson said teaching has been his passion since childhood. He recalled taking chalk from primary school and pretending to teach at home, as well as helping younger relatives with their lessons. He said his teaching philosophy is that no child should be left behind.

He described his bond with students as closer than a standard teacher-student relationship. According to him, he tries to create a safe space where young people can be themselves, speak openly and manage their emotions in a positive way.

Mr Stevenson said some students lack a father figure, and he believes mentorship can help steer them away from negative paths. He said his own father shaped that outlook after his mother died when he was seven. He recalled that his father remained present for him and his brother, ensuring they never went without dinner.

Reflecting on the surprise celebration, Mr Stevenson said the moment moved him deeply because he did not expect the students to honour him in that way. He said seeing young men express love and appreciation showed that meaningful work was being done at the school, despite stigma attached to Spanish Town and its surrounding communities.