WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. — The lessons learned from a first-grade teacher and a movie about the life of historical figure Helen Keller changed A+ Teacher Nicole Knapp's life forever. 

Knapp has a personality that shines in the pre-kindergarten class she teaches at Layer Elementary School in Winter Springs, where she says she firmly believes that learning should be fun.

"We incorporate a lot of music and movement," Knapp says. "It really helps engage the kids, and I feel like when they're engaged, then we're getting more out of them and they're learning."

Reflecting on her own educational journey, Knapp fondly remembers Mrs. Russell, her first-grade teacher, who taught her sign language. The experience sparked a lifelong passion for communication, she says.

With over 20 years of experience in speech-language pathology, Knapp traces her commitment to the field to a pivotal experience in third grade.

"At that time, my favorite movie was, 'The Miracle Worker,' which was the story of Helen Keller, and from that time on, I've always wanted to work with deaf and hard-of-hearing students," Knapp says.

Keller was an author and educator who was blind and deaf and advocated for rights for people with disabilities.

Today, Knapp teaches an auditory-oral pre-K class for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. 

As a busy mother of two, Knapp says she feels right at home in the classroom and is dedicated to creating a warm, welcoming environment for her students.

“I want my students to thrive in a language-rich setting so they can develop the communication skills they need for success in kindergarten and beyond,” Knapp says.