A US maths professor has received praise after images of him looking after a student's baby during class went viral on social media.
Baby Assata was brought to the lesson by her father, Wayne Hayer, who had been unable to find a babysitter.
After explaining his situation, Professor Nathan Alexander held the child for his whole 50-minute class so Mr Hayer could "take good notes."
"I don't have children of my own," Mr Alexander told Buzzfeed News.
"I was worried that she would start crying but it actually went perfectly. She was extremely well behaved."
Professor Alexander teaches at Morehouse, an all-male, historically black liberal arts college in Atlanta, Georgia.
One of the school's most famous graduates was civil rights activist Dr Martin Luther King Jr.
Mr Alexander, 34, reportedly told Mr Hayer that he could bring his daughter to class after noticing that he often had to leave early to look after her.
"He works two jobs, is a full time student, is involved in leadership programmes at school and is a parent," Mr Alexander said in an interview with CNN.
"This photo serves as a reminder of what parents have to do every day and how important it is to have affordable childcare."
Speaking to Buzzfeed News, he said he bounced the baby girl up and down during the class and joked about sending her to sleep with his teaching.
"When she started falling asleep, I told the class 'I guess I'm being boring right now'," Mr Alexander said.
The picture was widely shared on social media with an outpouring of support for Mr Alexander and his teaching skills.
Mr Alexander said in a Tweet that he "appreciate[d] the love," but told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspaper: "I'm not an exception. Teachers do this in their own way every day."
(Source: BBC)
Baby Assata was brought to the lesson by her father, Wayne Hayer, who had been unable to find a babysitter.
After explaining his situation, Professor Nathan Alexander held the child for his whole 50-minute class so Mr Hayer could "take good notes."
"I don't have children of my own," Mr Alexander told Buzzfeed News.
"I was worried that she would start crying but it actually went perfectly. She was extremely well behaved."
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| Professor Nathan Alexander said baby Assata was "extremely well behaved" |
One of the school's most famous graduates was civil rights activist Dr Martin Luther King Jr.
Mr Alexander, 34, reportedly told Mr Hayer that he could bring his daughter to class after noticing that he often had to leave early to look after her.
"He works two jobs, is a full time student, is involved in leadership programmes at school and is a parent," Mr Alexander said in an interview with CNN.
"This photo serves as a reminder of what parents have to do every day and how important it is to have affordable childcare."
Speaking to Buzzfeed News, he said he bounced the baby girl up and down during the class and joked about sending her to sleep with his teaching.
"When she started falling asleep, I told the class 'I guess I'm being boring right now'," Mr Alexander said.
The picture was widely shared on social media with an outpouring of support for Mr Alexander and his teaching skills.
Social media users also praised Assata's father.MY FAVORITE TEACHER! He saved my grade in college algebra my first semester at Morehouse. I was in another section with arguably the WORST teacher in the school, ready to drop out, but he saw I was on the edge and personally tutored me. Went from a D to an A by senester’s end.— (DJ) NO-TAG (@djnotag_) 2 March 2019
Other professors have also offered to help their students with childcare.huge respect for the prof obviously but can we talk about the dad still showing up in the first place?! that's one strong and dedicated student/parent. i woulda cried and stayed my ass home.— Laura (@LAM1086) 2 March 2019
In a Facebook post, Assata's mother, Firda Hayer, expressed her thanks to Mr Alexander and to other social media users for their encouragement.This is fabulous!!! To anyone taking my @UMIOE 510 this fall, if you're ever in this bind, I'll have your back...— Amy Cohn (@ProfAmyCohn) 1 March 2019
Firda Amalia Hayer
on Saturday
Seeing the outpouring of support from friends, family, and strangers for Assata and Wayne is a sight to behold. I can feel the genuine love and enthusiasm. We never asked for attention; all that I’ve personally asked for is authenticity in your love and support. We are new parents. Wayne works two jobs and is a full-time student. He's rarely at home because he's out there providing for us. With us being thousands of miles away from family and friends, I'm usually left with the baby to myself. Anyone who is and has been a new mommy understands how overwhelming it can get. Wayne wanted to give me a break. Plus, he'd get to spend more time with Assata in the process. It's a win-win. Thank you for encouraging us to continue to push forward. Thank you to black educators like Dr. Nathan Alexander for your compassion and understanding. This came at the right time. We plan and Allah plans; verily, Allah is the best of Planners.
Mr Alexander said in a Tweet that he "appreciate[d] the love," but told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspaper: "I'm not an exception. Teachers do this in their own way every day."
(Source: BBC)
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