‘I’m super-excited!’: First-time and veteran teachers get ready for first day of school at Barnes Butte Elementary

(Update: Adding video, comments by teachers)

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- It's just about back-to-school time once again, and for students at Barnes Butte Elementary School in Prineville, the first day is next week.

"It's been super-exciting!" first-year teacher Emma Crum said Thursday, "It's something that I feel like you always kind of do when you want to be a teacher is finally getting to have your own classroom and decorate it as you want."

Crum is following in her parents' footsteps, as both teach in Bend.

With just a few days before the first day on Sept. 3 and a new curriculum to learn, Crum says she's nervous but excited.

"As a first-year teacher, I know this is my first time in fourth grade, and this is their first time in fourth grade," she said. "And so just being able to kind of go through this together, I'm really excited to meet them and just get to build those relationships with them. "

Next door to Crum is Kyia Autencio, who's been teaching fourth grade for three years.

She and other long-term teachers are collaborating with Crum to transition into a good school year. 

"Focusing on that, your first couple weeks as procedures and getting to know your students," she said. "But with curriculum-wise, I think just asking questions - don't be afraid."

On Thursday, Autencio finished setting up students' desks and setting out materials for open house.

"Just kind of setting up my classroom, going through trainings and learning, and then meeting with my team and just kind of planning for the school year," Autencio said.

Setup isn't always easy for teachers. Besides decorating the room, teachers also have to ensure their students get the best learning in nine months.

"I feel like our school days sometimes are a little too short," Autencio said. "We wish we had that extra hour, just so we could support students more with their learning and not be rushed."

But both Crum and Autencio say they wouldn't trade their job for the world.

Crum said, "I've heard from everybody at the school that this is such a great age and such, and such a great group specifically. So I'm super-excited," Crum said.

Autencio added, "I love being here, and I love building those relationships and just helping support kids in their learning."