More than 400 new teachers will take their place in San Diego classrooms this academic year. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has this report.
Hundreds of new teachers took part in a special raffle after taking part in an all-day orientation last week. Some teachers are new to the profession, others are just new to San Diego. Mike Drake is a teacher from Mississippi. He's says he's ready to take on his new students.
Drake: It is scary at first. I've talked to a lot of new teachers here and this is their first time and they're pacing and sweating, but I love it - its fun ultimately.
More than half of the teachers here are first time educators. About 33 professionals are taking part in a paid internship program which allows them to earn a teaching credential without going back to college. Cynthia Pettino ended a career in hospitality to teach. She's grateful she got accepted into the program.
Pettino: It’s hard not to get touched by it. Because for 12 years I didn't go for this because of the money and the time in life.
Most of the teacher interns were picked because they specialize in math, science or a foreign language. Ana Tintocalis, KPBS News.
