Video: First-Year Columbus Teacher Looks Forward To This Year

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) –  The start of a new school year is not only a busy time for students but also for teachers.

On Thursday, the Columbus school district welcomed back their staff with a rally to get teachers excited about the year.

Jaime Casini and Shaterrica Moody are busy putting the final touches on their classroom.

“Painting shelves, reorganizing, setting up my desk area,” said Casini.

“We’re going to have a little birthday wall, we’re going to have all kinds of little cute things,” said Moody.

This year is Casini’s first year as a teacher.

She recently graduated college and has experience as an assistant teacher, which she hopes will put her ahead of the game.

“I kept applying and I finally got a job at Cook in January as an assistant teacher in this room. And the teacher I was working with was retiring and so they just moved me right in and gave me her room,” said Casini.

Casini says she knew she wanted to be a teacher at a young age.

She’s most excited to meet her new students and hopes to see some familiar faces.

“I’ve met some of the upcoming kindergarten students because they were in pre-k last year and I actually know the whole pre-k class. So, I’m hoping to get some of those babes in my room. And I think we have a really good, strong kindergarten team this year,” said Casini.

Although Casini loves all aspects of teaching, she says watching her students soak in new knowledge is her favorite part.

“Just watching how far they come and realize that you’re the one that taught them that is pretty cool,” said Casini.

Cook Elementary will host a parents night next Tuesday before school starts on Wednesday.

“Very excited, just ready for Wednesday to come when we meet our kids,” added Casini.

Columbus schools will being on Wednesday August 5th.

For a complete list of school supplies, visit http://www.columbuscityschools.org/school-supply-list-2015-2016/