PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — Dr. Jill Mink has been teaching for 58 years.

And her passion for helping children is as strong as ever.

This week’s A+ Teacher, Mink has educated generations of children, as well as mentored generations of teachers.

Mink, a reading specialist at East Pasco Education Academy, is 78 years old and still making connections with students.

"I really like the kids,” Mink said. “I do, even kids that give me trouble, I like them, because sooner or later you find out why they're giving you trouble.

"In an alternative school, you have to know where they're coming from, and it helps not to feel sorry for them, but to make them know that they can make it in life. They can do it."

 East Pasco Education Academy Shelley Carrino said Mink excels at getting to know her students.

"We tell all of our families that get sent to us, is more of a second-chance opportunity school, and it's truly that,” she said. “We are here to provide hope for you, to encourage you, and to provide you with skills to not only be a better student, but a better person."

Dr. Mink's energy and positivity flows through this Dade City campus.

She focuses on the whole child.

You'll find her building relationships, all while playing ping-pong and eating popcorn with the kids.

She’s an educator 24 hours a day, seven days a week. And she says she has no plans to retire.

"I don't find this difficult,” Mink said of teaching. “It's a natural thing that I do, and then I go home and I have to tell you that all of my neighbors, when they have a problem, they send their kids to me, and so I tutor them at home, yes, I do that all the time.

"I know you're not supposed to let a job define you, but this is more than a job because I'm helping kids."