Philadelphia Educator's Viral Teaching Approach: Instilling Love First

May 25, 2023

In a heartwarming approach to education, a Philadelphia educator's "teaching" method has taken the internet by storm, capturing the attention and admiration of people around the globe.

"Love IS the curriculum," says Vice Principal Arnold Ford.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by AGF (@unklearnold)

Ford is an educator at Mann Elementary in West Philadelphia.

His primary goal is for every student to "know that I see them" and "know that I love them."

He accomplishes that every single day.

Multiple videos of Ford interacting with his students have gone viral on social media.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by AGF (@unklearnold)

Recognizing that education extends beyond textbooks and tests, Ford has made it his mission to cultivate a culture of love, compassion, and understanding within the classroom.

His teaching methodology places love and kindness at the forefront, creating a safe and supportive space where students can thrive academically and emotionally.

"Before we teach math, before we teach reading we teach kids, we teach souls," Ford said. "You've got to start with love and love is the curriculum."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by AGF (@unklearnold)

The impact of Ford's approach has been nothing short of transformative.

"This is so wholesome. You don’t know how one hug can change a kids whole day," one commenter wrote.

"I cry every time I see these videos," another wrote. "These children are so fortunate to experience this safe love."