Starting the school year in the dark wasn't exactly what new Porter Township teachers had in mind.

But lack of electricity for Thursday's orientation sessions after overnight storms didn't seem to switch off any of the energy or enthusiasm of the new educators for their chosen path.

"I want to have an excitement in everything I do," said Tim Schiappacasse, who will teach government, sociology and world geography at Boone Grove High School. "I want to show there's a passion."

Both of Schiappacasse's parents are teachers in Illinois. At first he didn't want to follow them, to be them. Then he realized that teaching was his way to make a difference in people's lives.

"It's who I am," he said.

Katie Jaskowiak said she has a passion for art and loves working with kids. So the new Boone Grove K-8 art teacher combined them for the best of jobs. Planning for eight grade levels, though, is the only daunting element, she said.

New teachers in the Duneland School Corp. also met, toured the schools and enjoyed a lunch courtesy of the Chamber of Commerce.

For Heather Lowe, who has taught kindergarten at Gary's Charter School of the Dunes, the chance to become librarian at Liberty Elementary School joined her top two interests of books and computers. She's looking forward to getting books into the hands of students and keyboards under their fingertips.

"I am ready," she said with a big smile.

Chesterton High School Principal Jim Goetz told chamber members he has been impressed with the new crop of teachers. "I'm personally looking forward to great things" from them, he said.

Reflecting on the new teachers' enthusiasm, Goetz said that parents have a similar role to play.

"The attitude of parents is always just as important as the attitude of the teachers," he said. "If parents are upbeat about the new year, the kids will follow suit."