New Teachers Prep for Their First Test

Ashley Humble, one of 524 first-year teachers joining the Prince William system, sets up her room at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School. (Photos By Joel Richardson For The Washington Post)

Humble, an Ohio native and West Virginia University graduate, left her family, friends and boyfriend to teach music in Prince William. She chose her career after years playing trumpet and performing in her high school band.

"I wanted to be a band director, but when I learned what I could do with elementary music, I knew that's what I wanted to do," she said, adding that she likes the idea of using books, games and poems to educate. "Elementary kids are also great, because they are always excited to learn."

Humble said Prince William was not on her radar until she met a representative at a college career fair. After a few rounds of interviews, she said, the friendly staff and the reputation of the district enticed her to accept the job in May.

"The HR department here was on the ball more than anywhere else, and everyone was so friendly and welcoming," said Humble, who applied for 20 jobs and also got an offer in Jamestown, N.Y. "I also thought the music room was fantastic, stocked full of instruments."

Although tears were shed when she moved and she said she is intimidated by traffic on Interstate 95, it didn't take long -- less than a day -- for Humble to fit in. As she was waiting for orientation to begin, a familiar face appeared.

"Hi! It's Ashley, right?" asked 23-year-old Laura Gesotti, a new second-grade teacher at King Elementary. "How's it going?"

Gesotti, a graduate of Stonewall Jackson High School in Prince William and James Madison University, did her student teaching in the county and was so pleased that she decided to stay.

The women, who briefly met at their school's library a day before, asked about the other's family, schooling, how their rooms were coming along and whether a significant other was in the picture.

When the new employees were told to head into Forest Park's auditorium, conversations ended and their initiation began.

"I want to compliment you" on being chosen from 4,000 applications, Keith Johnson, the school system's associate director of human resources, told the crowd. "Today, you become part of the Prince William family."

Prince William Superintendent Steven L. Walts shared stories about his first year of teaching, including the time his students put stuffed animals in each desk and hid in the gym closet.

"I get really touched when people tell stories about their experience," Humble said. "It's always nice to hear they survived their first year because then I feel like I will, too."