BUSHNELL, Fla. — Imagine the fun you'd have if you were able to work every day side by side with your best friend. 

It's not a dream for Sumter County A + Teacher Susanne Westerkon as we take a look inside her Bushnell Elementary School classroom to see how it all started it's important to note face masks are optional at her school district. They are encouraged but not required.

Westerkon teaches fourth and fifth graders reading and social studies and says, "I set high expectations because I truly believe all students can learn." 

It was her second-grade teacher who inspired her to teach. Westerkon describes her as the best teacher she ever had.

She says, "She made school memorable. She made it fun and she was just one of the sweetest people. She truly cared and her passion showed through everything she did in her classroom."

Westerkon says she wanted to be just like her instructor, emulating that same passion for her students. Westerkon has been in the classroom now for the past 13 years.

They “team teach” at her school and  Westerkon has a partner who teaches math and science.  She says, "We call ourselves the dream team."  

Westerkon's partner knows from childhood. She adds, "The cool thing is my partner has been my best friend since elementary school, so we're able to have this relationship with these kids to where they feel comfortable asking questions — comfortable asking for help." 

She says they remember well what it was like to be in their students’ shoes. Westerkon adds, "We went to the same elementary, middle, high school, college and we both have the same passion."

It's another relationship she says definitely benefits their students. Westerkon says, "We have the same expectations, the same goals and we just want the students to be successful at the end of the day. That's why we're here."