VIDEO: Elizabeth City State University alum recognized on The Ellen Degeneres Show during Teacher Appreciation Week

May 4, 2022 Kassidy Watson-Perry
Elementary school teacher Michael Bonner hugs Ellen Degeneres after she reveals his reward during Teacher Appreciation Week [YouTube Screengrab]

Everyone has a teacher that shaped them in one way or another. One that has opened their eyes to things they didn’t think they were capable of or impacted them in a way in which one no one else ever could.

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 2nd through May 6th and individuals across the nation are paying tribute to educators of the past, present, and future. This includes beloved icons like talk-show host Ellen Degeneres, who recognized Perquimans County High School and Elizabeth City State University alum Michael Bonner on her show Tuesday leading to Bonner driving away in a brand-new Ford F-150 Lightning.

Michael is currently an elementary school teacher at Atlanta, Georgia’s Ron Clark Academy. Bonner began his teaching journey at South Greenville Elementary in Greenville, North Carolina. Over the span of his career, Michael has highlighted the importance of student engagement, relationships, and developing culturally relevant content. As an educator, he believes in creating a learning environment that instills a love for learning and character development.

Aside from Ellen Degeneres, he has been recognized by NBC Nightly News, Flocabulary, Ashton Kutcher Foundation, and other media formats. Bonner has also served on the North Carolina Governor Teacher Advisory Board under Governor Cooper.

Bonner made his debut appearance on The Ellen Degeneres Show in 2017 where he was recognized for his viral educational rap and dance videos displaying his unique tactic to engage his grade-school students. He was invited back for Ellen’s final farewell season.

Mid-way through Tuesday’s pre-recorded show after being invited to play a game of what he believes is “Blindfolded Musical Chairs,” Bonner was stunned to realize that the game was actually a set-up and is subsequently rewarded by the host with a brand-new pick-up truck.

Bonner took to Twitter Wednesday morning to dish about his prolonged disbelief and requests additional rewards that he could implement for other teachers out there:

Watch Michael Bonner on The Ellen Degeneres Show below:

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