ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — For more than 30 years, this week’s A+ Teacher has been shaping young minds, and getting them excited about learning. Her passion for education helps students prepare for the next big step.

Education is surrounded by fun and fantasy — it’s a children’s paradise at the Speer YMCA Preschool Academy in St. Petersburg. Even storytime is just as exciting as playtime.

With 32 years in the classroom, Irish Robinson has mastered the art of using creativity and energy to keep her preschoolers engaged.

“Just sitting down and reading a story to them, its boring — you want to get them so they’ll remember the pages,” she said. “They’ll remember the words, and when they see that book, they’ll say, ‘Oh, I had that book in my class. I had it in Ms. Robinson’s VPK class.’ So yeah, getting them involved is always important.”

All year long — even during the summer — Robinson stimulates her students' imaginations and builds strong relationships.

The day she spoke with Spectrum News was the last day of summer enrichment, before the kids head off to a new campus and start kindergarten on Wednesday.

And Robinson’s students always stand out — for their confidence and academic excellence.

“I want them to show pride, and when they go in that kindergarten class, the teachers say, ‘Hmmm, where did you come from?’" she said. "So, you know, then I’ll get a phone call. The mom or dad will say, ‘They’re exceeding. They’re doing it, so thank you.’”

“Her personality, Ms. Robinson, again, her creativity — she’s also continuing her education, so she can build and have those children ready to move into their elementary school,” said Speer YMCA Preschool Academy Academy Director Geneka Green.

Known for her tireless work ethic, this veteran educator is pursuing her master’s degree in early childhood education. And it was her own grade school teacher who showed her the way.

“My second grade teacher from Orange Grove Elementary — when I walked in, just an ordinary kid, but she said, ‘Hold your head up. You’re special,’ and that did something to me," said Robinson. "It resonated here, and that’s it."