SAN ANTONIO – School's not even in sesson, but the cafeteria at Brandeis High School was buzzing Tuesday.
Nearly 700 teachers, new hires to the Northside School District, are getting "schooled" at a three-day orientation.
Recommended Videos
Among them, Allysa Hacker, an enthusiastic first-time teacher who will lead a kindergarten class at Oak Hills Terrace Elementary School.
"If I can make them want to achieve greater things, that's the best I can do for them," she said.
For first-grade teacher Elizabeth Sheetz, coming to NISD is a homecoming. She grew up in the district. After teaching at smaller districts for the past 15 years, she is beginning a new job at Cable Elementary.
"Coming to a brand new district, a large district with a lot of resources and high expectations is very exciting for me right now," she said.
The reason for all of the new hires is district growth. NISD will set a record with approximately 103,500 students this year.
"It's nice to have a good mix of those folks who are brand new, very excited and those that have experience and know what that classroom setting looks like," said NISD Superintendent Dr. Brian Woods.
Among the many challenges teachers will face are testing and the students' environments outside of school, according to Woods.
He said they try to provide training beyond the curriculum.
"How do we work well with students, how do we not only convey the information but make sure their needs are met outside of the school as well," Woods said. "We see that as part of our role."
As for first-year teacher Jaime Garcia, he's excited about his new role as coach and physical education teacher at McDermott Elementary.
"Of course, I have the jitters, but it's mostly excitement knowing that I'm going to make an impact in a student's life. That's what's driving me right now," Garcia said.