DOVER, Fla. — Amani Al-Ajil is finishing up her first year teaching math and science to second-graders, and she is already making a big impact at Bailey Elementary School. 

“I would hope that others would see that the environment I created is a warm, inviting, exciting learning experience for the kids. It’s an environment where they feel like they’re having fun while also learning,” Al-Ajil said.

Her students call her Miss Amani. She loves to find creative ways to motivate her students. She created a song with them this year to help them do well on their tests.

“I wanted to encourage them in a way that I felt connected with them most, and I know for me growing up, music really helped me connect,” Al-Ajil said.

She went on to say, “They really were excited to show their work and do what the song said, which is try my best and show all I know.”

Al-Ajil wants to make sure her students are learning and enjoying their time in her classroom. 

“I hope the students leave the classroom with the positive mindset that no matter how hard things are, they can still try their best and do anything,” Al- Ajil said.