TAMPA, Fla. — Lauren Pusateri goes the extra mile for her special needs students. 

A Davidsen Middle School teacher for seven years, Pusateri works hard to find what works with children with different needs. But she says when she finds that learning switch in a child, there's no holding them back. 

"Those moments are like when the kids they just delve in and just keep asking question after question and want to know more," Pusateri said. "Okay, my plan for the day is gone because they are so into what we are learning about."

Pusateri fell in love with special needs students working as an assistant years ago, drawing on them for her inspiration. And while some of her students are non-verbal, others just love to talk about her. 

"She is very thoughtful," said Student Cocomi. "She is very serious. She knows how to communicate with people." 

Her principal also showers praise on her.

"She comes to work with a smile on her face," said Davidsen Middle School Principal Stacy Arena. "It is controlled chaos but everytime you come in here the kids love to be in here. She loves the kids, she teaches the kids." 

And when things get a little wild in the classroom: "It's never the kids, the kids are always great and even when they have a moment, they are kids."