PALM BAY, Fla. — It's important for A+ Teacher Hunter Parsons to create strong bonds in the classroom to foster a safe space for students to learn.

Parsons was nominated as an A+ Teacher. When Spectrum News 13 visited her classroom, Parsons was pouring knowledge into her students while also explaining to them that it's OK to make mistakes.

The students were working together in small groups, taking part in hands-on learning tackling measuring volumes of water, temperature on thermometers and how to use a ruler. They were having fun in the process.

From time to time Parsons would lead students in a little chant saying, "Can I get a whoop whoop?"

She says, "We do a lot of positive affirmations. I just like to make sure that they are being kind to themselves. I always tell them to kiss their brain after they do something hard so they love when I say that or give themselves a pat on the back."

Parsons said she learned early on how important building relationships with her students is.

"I had somebody when I was in college say they're not going to learn from you if they don't like you so some people might not think that's very important but I just think that having a good relationship and them wanting to hear what you have to say is very important,” she said, adding, "It makes me feel really good knowing that they want to be here and they want to learn."