THONOTOSASSA, Fla. — Maria Brunson is in her 11^th year of teaching. It’s her first time teaching kindergarten, and she is excelling at it.

The principal at Thonotosassa Elementary School nominated her to be featured as an A+ teacher.

“She’s here early, stays late, and she is dedicated 100% to her children and being the best teacher she can be,” said Anthony Montoto, the school’s principal.

Brunson says she was destined to become a teacher. She comes from a family of educators, and her mom taught kindergarten.

“There’s just nothing else that I wanted to do,” said Brunson.

She is new to this school and teaching this grade, but she’s already making a huge impact. And Brunson says she loves teaching kindergarten.

“We like to sing songs. We do words to a beat to make them remember what I’m asking them to do. Kindergarten has been so much fun,” said Brunson.

Before this, she taught second and third grade. Now she’s preparing her students for those next steps.

“I know where these babies are and I want to help them get to their goals to where they have those foundational skills of reading, of letter sounds. And nothing can stop you once you start reading,” said Brunson.

She says her colleagues at Thonotosassa Elementary are supportive and that’s helped her be successful.

“Knowing if I need help, it’s going to be there. That’s the most reassuring thing,” said Brunson.

Brunson says in her classroom she sets boundaries so her students know they have to learn but can have fun doing it.

“Clear expectations help the kids know, ‘OK, these are the walls that I need to play inside of. As long as we stay inside these walls, we can do beats, we have songs, we can play around,’” said Brunson.

Maintaining a positive attitude is at the core of her teaching philosophy.

“Positivity works for any human. If you breathe happiness, they’re going to feel happy,” said Brunson.