Newly hired teacher Clare Rieber first became interested in teaching when she started behavioral therapy for kids with autism in Santa Cruz. The experience helped her realize how much she enjoyed working with kids, and she began to look for  a full-time teaching position.

Rieber started her first real teaching job as a resource specialist teacher for Aptos High School in 2009. Eventually, she soon started to look for a school district with a better learning environment for her students and herself.

“I [wanted] to be at a school [with] more resources and support than Aptos,” Rieber said.

During her eighth year as a specialist teacher, she found a job in the special education department here.

She supports students with learning differences, and co-teaches English MAP 10 with social studies teacher Mike Davey and English teacher Suzanne Herzman during first and second period.

Rieber also assists the International Aid Services (IAS) program. Students in the program have three periods of study hall, where teachers help them keep track of their work, finish their assignments and study for tests.

“So far [the school has] been awesome,” Rieber said. “I feel really supported. The teaching staff is really welcoming and friendly [and are always] asking [me] if I need anything and checking in with me.”