BARTOW, Fla. — Take a peek into Kory Clabough’s history class at Bartow High School and you might be surprised at what you see.

Today, Kory is strutting around the room with an American flag over his shoulder and music blaring in the background.

“For the government. For America! For the United States,” he says in perfect cadence. “He is the ultimate patriot.”

Kory is teaching about the turbulent 60’s with all of its protests, student unrest, even deaths at Kent State University. He is using Credence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son” song to explain the irony of what it means to be a fortunate son.

“History is such a great teacher because you are able to go back and dissect it and understand more clearly what people were trying to say. Does red, white and blue mean the same thing today as it did back then?”

Kory knows how to make history come alive and keep the students guessing.

“I like the kids. I like their energy. I think they hate my energy. But I think we have a good time and that’s important."

What’s a bit ironic is Kory’s answer when I asked him why he got into teaching history.

“I’ve been trying to find the answer to that question for some time now and honestly I don’t know,” he says with a big smile on his face.

What he does know is that he loves his job and wants his students to love learning as much as he does.

“I hope they leave with a better understanding of the world. If it’s not historical knowledge then it’s the ability to analyze the situation and make an informed decision.”

Of course it doesn’t hurt that his students think he is kind of cool.

“He relate able. He's always funny. He makes sure that he is not only is a teacher but you can come to him about anything,” says Ashanti Jones. “I don’t even like history but this is one of my favorite classes.”

That’s just what Kory wants to hear.  “They can break down all sorts of fun stuff when they want to. It’s just a matter of getting them excited about it.”

He also understands the importance of connecting with these high schoolers on a personal level.  “We are guidance counselors one day, teachers the next, friends, mentors, you name it.  We have to comfort and console them through problems they are experiencing.  That’s part of the job.”

A job he does so well his students nominated him as an A+ Teacher.  

An honor he well deserves.