CLEARWATER, FLA -- Andrea Coffman is in her 17th year teaching at Lakeside Christian School in Clearwater. But she's been inside the classrooms there for longer than that.
She attended the school her senior year then applied for a substitute teacher position once she graduated from college. She eventually became an English teacher full time.
“I get to talk about English literature and I also get to help the younger generation. In this class we’re getting ready for graduating and all those exciting things,” said Coffman.
She’s excited to help her students through this time in their lives while teaching a subject she’s loved since second grade. We visited her classroom during her British literature class.
“It’s just inspiring to help them understand these old pieces of writing are still relevant today,” said Coffman.
Coffman was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis before she was two years old. She doesn’t let challenges in her personal life impact the experience students get in her classroom.
"I've dealt with my disease for so long now I know how to, outside of class, take care of myself so that I can still come in and teach and try to do my best for them every day,” said Coffman.
She is so dedicated to her students and gives them her all every day. And she teaches them that life can be challenging but it's all about how you handle it.
"They all have their own struggles and issues to deal with so if we can be a good example of perseverance or figuring out life even when it's hard, I think that's really important,” said Coffman.