The news is pretty grim these days, but former President Barack Obama decided to spread a little cheer in honor of National Teachers Appreciation Week.

Obama dropped in to speak with a few public school teachers from his hometown of Chicago, thanking them for their tireless efforts to teach children during the coronavirus pandemic. 

There’s no limit to the devotion I’ve seen in teachers like these @ChiPubSchools educators. Their dedication shapes the best parts of who we become. I couldn’t be more thankful for their work, especially as they shift lessons online to keep students on track during this crisis. pic.twitter.com/xYECcrAxdE

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) May 6, 2020

The father of two spoke with three teachers about their efforts trying to educate students digitally and their inspiration to become an educator.

The sweet video racked up over 1 million views and thousands of comments commending teachers for their hard work.

Jalayne Brewton, a 6th, 7th and 8th-grade teacher at Parkside Academy, spoke passionately about how her experiences growing up in Chicago helped push her to get involved in the teaching profession.

"I didn't grow up in one of the best neighborhoods and didn't have the two-parent household, so my school was my outlet. I said to myself, 'How can I give back to those that actually helped me growing up,'" Brewton said before Obama asked her about how she was holding up during the coronavirus pandemic.

"When it first happened I was so concerned about devices. I even went to my school and volunteered the first two weeks. I was passing out Chromebooks. We passed out over 147 devices. I don't mind being on the front lines for the kids because this is what I'm passionate in doing," she added.

"The passion shows, the time and effort," Obama responded.

He went on to chop it up with all three teachers about a variety of topics, including the wildly popular ESPN documentary series The Last Dance and NBA legend Michael Jordan. 

"If I ever get too down and out, I'm going to have to tune in to you so that I can get geared back up," Obama said to one teacher.

Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama have used their massive popularity and social media platforms to spotlight teachers, hospital workers and other first responders for their efforts during the crisis surrounding COVID-19.