TAMPA, Fla. — Today's A+ Teacher knows more about arts education than most.

Before starting her teaching career, Lisa McClendon spent two decades performing all over the world.

But she always had a passion for working with children. And now, she's giving them a summer break they won't soon forget.

What You Need To Know

McClendon leads kids in summer camp at the Jeff and Penny Vinik Family Boys and Girls Club of Tampa Bay.

She specializes in arts education, coupled with academic excellence.

"We keep the kids engaged through art, art, art, art, art,” McClendon said. “We have four art mediums: drums, visual arts, digital arts and dance."

And there's no one more passionate about the arts and learning than McClendon.

She helped create the summer program and brings positive energy and loads of love into every room.

"To be honored is amazing,” McClendon said of being named an A+ Teacher. “It's incredible. It makes all the nights, the midnights, the struggles, the planning, the strategy, the crying, the tears all worth it."

In addition to her educational work, McClendon is a national recording artist. A singer and songwriter for 25 years, she's celebrated for her work in gospel, soul and jazz music.

"I've toured London several times and all over the United States and abroad,” she said. “And then to have the opportunity to take my vocal background, the ability to perform on stage and teach children about stage performance, interviewing, all of those things that I learned throughout the years, I'm able to take that and impact the kids with that as well."

Now on a break from performing, she now spends her days immersed in music, digital content creation, visual arts and working with her summer kids.

"My calling to work with kids started with me being a kid,” she said. “I remember someone not listening, and I remember someone listening, and he difference and the impact.

“So, if I could do for the kids what was done for me. The first plane ride I got because someone saw something special in me that led to me becoming a national recording artist, so I wanted to give that back to the kids."