During her own high school years, Debbie Jackson experienced the benefits of Suffolk High School – literally, as she was a graduate of the home of the Red Raiders. Next year at Lakeland, Jackson hopes to share these same remunerations with the Cavaliers.

Jackson was one of 13 new teachers hired at the fifth annual Teacher Job Fair Saturday at King’s Fork Middle School. Representatives from Suffolk, Isle of Wight, Southampton and Franklin visited to pick up some help in the school systems.

&uot;This shows the collegial attitude that we all share and the challenges we face,&uot; said Franklin human resources department director Judy Lee. &uot;We have this in Suffolk because it’s a centralized location and easy for folks to find.&uot;

Before moving to Fork, the event was held at Lakeland.

Though she carried several years of teaching experience over from Hampton High, Jackson couldn’t help but feel a bit apprehensive about her application.

&uot;I got nervous all over again,&uot; she said. &uot;It was like I was re-applying. I wanted to teach in the community that I was born in and grew up in.&uot;

This fall, she’ll get her chance to show local students some new ideas in marketing.

Three decades of teaching might have been overwhelming for some folks, but Ahoskie resident Sallie Barnes hadn’t had enough. After spending 30 years instructing in Hertford County, she decided to retire.

But she didn’t quit; Barnes just decided to head north for another round.

&uot;My husband asked me why I didn’t just drink coffee downtown with the rest of the retired women,&uot; she said with a laugh. &uot;But I love children, and I’m good with them.&uot; Over the next few months, she’ll start working with special education kids in Isle of Wight.

Jackson wasjd