ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Tammy Wilkes has been teaching for 22 years — and she's loved every minute of it. 

"First grade is my love. I love seeing the learning gains—how young they are when they come in, they love school and are excited to learn," Wilkes said. 

Wilkes teaches first grade at Westgate Elementary, and at that age, it can be challenging as kids learn the routine of balancing directions and following the rules. 

Wilkes' real gift for teaching comes down to building generational relationships — with parents even requesting her specifically. 

"It's the relationships she builds with her students and her families that makes her so wonderful. She knows her kids and she stays in touch with them," Principal Bonita Paquette said. 

Those relationships go as deep as being invited to weddings and baby showers. 

And her students, well, they have nothing but good things to say about their devoted teacher. 

"I just love my teacher because she's a really good teacher."

"She helps us whenever we get stuck on stuff and she's good at teaching us."

"She's the best teacher ever."

Congratulations Tammy Wilkes for being an A+ teacher!