New teachers back in school

About 50 new teachers and staff, one of the largest influxes in recent history, were welcomed to the Carson City School District on Monday.

Teachers were paired with mentors from their individual schools in the morning, getting familiar with their classrooms and district technology and protocol.

Brian Wallace, president of the Ormsby County Education Association, said the mentor program started formally in 2002, pairing new teachers with more experienced ones.

“The mentors are there to help you with every single aspect you need to survive the first day,” Wallace said. “Any questions they have throughout the year, they can go to their mentors.”

After familiarizing themselves with their classrooms and buildings, the teachers were served lunch by the culinary arts students at Carson High School.

Alan Matthews, a 2008 Reno High School graduate, will be teaching math as a long-term substitute while fulfilling his internship.

“I’m ready,” he said. “I’m here. I’m ready to get going. I’m happy to be out of the student portion of my life and start the teaching portion.”

Jose Delfin, associate superintendent of the Carson City School District, said this year will see one of the largest turnovers in recent memory, with a handful of positions still to be filled.

“We saw a lot of movement after May,” he said. “A lot of people resigned, and a few just decided to retire. It was definitely more than usual.”

Veteran teachers will return to school Wednesday and students will resume classes on Monday.

Levi Grabow is returning to his hometown to teach after graduating from Sierra Lutheran High School in 2010.

“I like Carson City, it’s my home,” he said. “I’m excited for this opportunity.”