First-year teachers in SJCOE Special Education learned the ropes at the end of July at a boot camp designed to get them ready before they go to their classrooms throughout the county for the start of the school year.
They won't be flying solo. The new teachers ended the boot camp meeting their mentors -- seasoned teachers who will be there to help their new colleagues through the year.
"I think I have a great advantage," said Yvette Martinez, who not only has a mentor, but one who will be teaching at the same site, Joshua Cowell Elementary School in Manteca.
"I'm kind of right next door," said Josh Madeiros, who had a mentor to guide him during his first year. "It helps a lot."
More photos of new teachers and their mentors are available in a gallery on the SJCOE Facebook page.