TAMPA, Fla. — Erica George-Jones has been with Hillsborough County Schools since 1987.

She says she started out as a substitute teacher and then went back to school to start teaching full time. It’s been 30 years and she loves teaching Pre-K students at Sheehy Elementary School.

“Giving them a good foundation is something that they all need because if they don’t have a good foundation, once they get into the older grades they have a hard time,” said George-Jones.

“She gives her all every single day. She builds the foundation for learning for all of our students and builds a true community in her classroom,” said Delia Gadson-Yarbrough, Sheehy Elementary School’s principal.

George-Jones said she enjoys seeing the students’ progress each year.

“At the end of the school year, you see the outcome," said George-Jones. "Their little minds are just flowing. And it’s just a joy to come into the classroom every day."

Her class is one big family. And some of her students have family members who sat in the same seats years ago.

“A lot of these kids that are in the classroom, I’ve had their parents. So I’m like a grand teacher,” said George-Jones.

She brings a positive attitude every day no matter what challenges she’s facing. Last year was tough. She says her body rejected her kidney transplant.

“It set me back a little bit but I came back even stronger,” said George-Jones.

She says she still came to work and kept doing what she loves. And that helped her through the difficult time.

“My kids in the classroom bring me joy," she said. "When I’m here, I’m happy."