New teachers, principal, kick off year at Gardnerville Elementary

Ashley Barker, 27, is a little nervous about the new school year.

"Douglas County has really high expectations for its teachers," the third-grade instructor said on Tuesday, inside her new classroom at Gardnerville Elementary School. "With its critical content and lesson plans, it's a very rigorous district to work for."

But Barker said she is up for the challenge. Originally from Mammoth Lakes, Calif., Barker taught second grade in Alpine County for two years before joining ranks at Gardnerville Elementary.

"I chose to work for this district because I have confidence in what they do," she said. "I want to grow with the kids, learn from them and learn with them."

Joshua Lang, 27, was in the school's copy room preparing for his new kindergarten class.

"I taught for two years in Hawthorne before coming here," Lang said. "I like small towns."

Lang is from Thousand Oaks, Calif., and said his grandmother was a teacher.

"I fell in love with teaching and never left," he said.

Lang taught third grade in Hawthorne and said he's looking forward to kindergarten.

"It's a wonderful age. The world is new to these kids and they want to learn anything and everything," he said. "We have to teach them how to be students."

Eight-year-old Ethan Usher understands what it means to be a student.

"Every year you get a new teacher, a new class and a new start," said the third grader. "It's pretty exciting. I'm looking forward to science. I already have a microscope and a space telescope, and I want to get a magnifying glass."

Gardnerville Elementary's new principal, Shannon Brown, is also excited about the new year.

"I'm not coming with a lot of big changes," said the 39-year-old educator. "The school is very successful. The staff is excellent. I want to get to know the community and ramp up family involvement."

Brown is from the Sacramento area and said he and his family were ready for a change.

"I've been very impressed with the Gardnerville community," he said, "With the level of expectations found here."

Both Brown's 7-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter will be attending the school.

"I've never met more welcoming and inviting people," he said. "I'm looking forward to a fantastic year."

Douglas County School District hired more than 50 people for the new school year, according to district officials.

Douglas High School saw the most new hires as many of their teachers retired last year to retain state health benefits.