CLERMONT, Fla. — There is no other place that A+ Teacher Kelly Darby would rather be than in her classroom at East Ridge High School, where she gets a positive reaction from her students. 

Darby works hard to maintain a good chemistry with her students at East Ridge High in Clermont.

After 17 years in the classroom, she said she still enjoys teaching A.P. chemistry.

“It’s just fun. I think everybody loves hands-on activities, and it’s really engaging and relevant. We need problem solvers in the world,” Darby said.

Problem solvers get to thrive in her classroom where questions are always encouraged for a reason.

“Question everything. Don’t just accept information that you’re given. Question, 'Where did this come from? Who wrote it? Why does this work?' I try to make the tone very relaxed but with high expectations for safety and for the material,” she said.

Darby said her students are learning all types of skills in her class.

“Like being able to work with other people, being responsible for their actions, cleaning up their mess like when they’re finished. No fear of failing. Failing is part of life,” she explained.

She admits there’s nothing sweeter than crossing paths with her former students.

“It just reaffirms your decision to be a teacher. It’s a very fulfilling and rewarding job when that happens too,” she said.