LARGO, Fla. — Darryl Simmons has been a teacher at Largo High School for 12 years. He teaches psychology, and he’s the girls basketball coach. He was honored to find out one of his students nominated him as this week’s A+ Teacher on Spectrum Bay News 9.

“To know that it came from one of my students is extremely heartwarming and I can’t really put into words the pride that I feel,” said Simmons.

Simmons creates an environment in his classroom where students can learn and have fun. His rules are simple to follow.

“If you make a mistake, say so, apologize, move on. Treat people with kindness. Treat people with dignity and respect,” said Simmons.

Simmons makes his lessons relatable for his students.

“Part of my teaching gift is being able to make examples and come up with everyday examples of things. That’s something that I really try to work hard at doing,” said Simmons.

He helps his students learn in the classroom and on the basketball court. It’s his 11th season coaching girls basketball.

“I always try to make sure that they feel supported, that they’re encouraged, that they understand that despite the scoreboard, the life lessons that you learn through sports are going to carry you for the rest of your life,” said Simmons.

The student who nominated Simmons to be an A+ Teacher said he’s like a father away from home. That’s a title he’s honored to have.

 “I tell them all, especially my basketball players, ‘You are my children, especially when you’re here. I protect you. I look out for you in the exact same way I would my children,’” said Simmons.

Simmons says he loves his job so much that it doesn’t ever feel like work.

“I have a job and I never have to go to work. Not ever. And I’m winning. I am absolutely winning,” said Simmons.

Largo High School means a lot to his family. His wife is a teacher there, and she went to the school. His daughter also graduated from Largo High and now substitute teaches there.