Friday was the first day for new teachers in Palm Beach County.
TeacherFest, a welcome party for new teachers, was hosted at Park Vista High School in suburban Lake Worth.
More than 600 newly-hired Palm Beach County School District teachers were in attendance.
Among the group of teachers are graduates from Florida Atlantic University.
Last year the district hired nearly 400 graduates, and the university named the district as its "employer of the year."
“It feels awesome, just to see dreams come true, especially something that you worked hard and finally accomplished it," said Florida Atlantic University graduate Rafael Gonzalez.
The starting salary for teachers is $41,000.
A proposed property tax increase, to be voted on in November, could increase that salary.
The proposal would provide bonuses based on years of experience, which range from $1,000 to $10,000.
“Momma’s testimony” from Dr. Debra Robinson was superb 👌🏻 The @pbcsd Vice-Chairwoman really got teachers motivated about the impact they can have on their students @TfestSDPBC #MakeItSuperPBCpic.twitter.com/tBfHzv6VIV
— Andrew Ruiz (@AndrewRuizWPTV) August 3, 2018
My favorite part of a new school year! @pbcsd knows how to throw a good #TeacherFest More than 600!are being given the red carpet treatment @wptv@FOX29WFLXpic.twitter.com/G99MaIkCLJ
— Andrew Ruiz (@AndrewRuizWPTV) August 3, 2018