MIDDLEBURG -- Dane Aucker can remember what it was like to walk the halls as a first-grader at Middleburg Elementary School.

Now 23, he finds himself back at the same school where he learned how to read, write, add and subtract.

"It's different now, I'm on the opposite end of the spectrum," he said, sitting at his desk at the front of the classroom.

He's one of two teachers at Middleburg Elementary who will begin their first year of teaching today.

"All the nerves are starting to come around because Monday's the big day," he said Friday as he put the finishing touches on his classroom.

Aucker previously worked as a substitute in another district before taking the position at Middleburg Elementary.

He said starting out as a new teacher has been challenging.

"Starting from scratch, I have to do all my papers, go through books and do all the lesson plans," he said.

Another hurdle will be helping his first-grade students who are accustomed to a half-day kindergarten program adjust to a full day of school.

"I hope I don't have any criers," Aucker said.

Aucker has been preparing his sports-themed room since July. Originally from Kreamer, the Bloomsburg University graduate said family, friends and his girlfriend, who is also a first-grade teacher, have helped him prepare for the first day of school.

Aucker said he will be teaching mostly reading and mathematics. He hopes to make learning fun for his students.

"That's what it comes down to," he said. "Being a teacher is all about having fun."