Central Alabama teachers prepare for new school year

Summer break is quickly winding down and most Central Alabama school districts will be back in session within the next couple of weeks. At the Parent-Teacher Store on Highway 31 in Hoover, it's obvious the start of school is near and teachers aren't wasting any time preparing. "It's exciting," teacher Gina Cronin says. "You know, you get your summer and as it starts to get to that point, your heart starts kind of getting ready for the new year because you've got kids coming in to love on."Stay up-to-date: The latest headlines and weather from WVTM 13 The owner of the store, Kelly Lamkin, says teachers from all over the state have been dropping by and even teachers from neighboring states. She says with fewer teacher stores around, it keeps the foot traffic steady. "A lot of teachers are trying to make their spaces more homey and not just putting up a few posters on the wall," Lamkin explains. "They're really trying to make the spaces a reflection of themselves."Jefferson County superintendent Dr. Walter Gonsoulin tells WVTM 13 that despite three years of pandemic challenges, things appear to be more like they used to as the new year approaches. "I do see us moving more to that typical thought process of school," Dr. Gonsoulin adds. "Excited about it. Not as worried as we were in the past." One thing Jefferson County is focused on is the new Fultondale High School. Gonsoulin says he is hopeful it will be ready in time for the first day. Follow us on social: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube"We are still going through the process because we will not jeopardize the safety our children, our faculty, our staff," Gonsoulin points out. "And so, the state wouldn't allow us to do that."As the new school year nears, Gonsoulin says the district still has teaching and bus driver positions available.