MELBOURNE, Fla. — Putting her own children first is having a ripple effect on many other children in A+ Teacher Debra Pollard's class at Sabal Elementary School in Melbourne.

Pollard says she chose a career in the classroom because it fit well with her parenting responsibilities.

“I wanted to be available for my own children as well, and that's when I started looking into a career path that might be more conducive to my own children's schedule,” she says.

Pollard says she wants to make sure her lessons provide a good foundation for her students to become lifelong learners. To start the day, her students take part in breathing exercises and even a morning chant with positive affirmations.

The routine really gets her students moving in the right direction, Pollard says.

"It helps set the tone for the day," she says.

That tone is one that’s focused on learning.

Teaching was not Pollard's first career choice.

"I actually wanted to work in the juvenile justice system with kids, and then it hit me that why not try to reach them before they get down that path," Pollard says. 

It is a passion she says called her to the classroom.

"I want to inspire children to be the best human beings that they can be and help guide them," Pollard says.

She teaches her students social skills and academics.

"We're teaching them how to be citizens and have manners and be respectful and be a part of a community," Pollard says.