WEST MELBOURNE, Fla. — A+ Teacher Amy White is enthusiastic about her students and says it is so gratifying to see the progress in their abilities each day.

White says her students at West Melbourne School for Science have a special place in her heart.

“I have a special love for each one of the children, and I truly believe that reaching their full potential is something that I can help them do,” she said.

When Spectrum News 13 recently stopped by White’s class, her first graders were having a good time learning.

“Children need to feel safe, comfortable and loved in their classroom where they spend 180 school days,” she said.

Watching White interact with her students makes it hard to believe it is her first year teaching at the school.

She says teaching has been a big part of her life as long as she can remember.

“When I was in first grade, I used to put my chalkboard up and teach my stuffed animals reading and math," she said.

White has been teaching for 27 years now with no regrets.

“And when you truly see a young learner, an educator can teach in a way that’s tailored to the unique needs and interests," she said. "My dedication to teaching is aligned with the Montessori philosophy that all children are unique individuals with immense potential.

“I want them to have a growth mindset towards new challenges. I want them to persevere that when things are challenging. You keep going and here at West Melbourne School for Science, these students are pretty amazing at these skills.”