FRANKLIN—One new S.P. Morton music teacher is taking cues from his grandmother.

“My grandmother taught in Franklin, and I’m sort of following in her footsteps,” said Cordero Leonard, of Minnie Rodgers. “Franklin’s giving me my first opportunity to teach music.”

On Tuesday at noon, the Village at Woods Edge was host to some of the new teachers in the Franklin City School District. Superintendent Willie Bell was on hand to welcome them.

“I’d like to welcome all of the new members of the Franklin family,” Bell continued. “Our motto is ‘We are Team FCPS.’

“And we deliver,” he said, drawing applause from the audience.

Many were ready to deliver, including Wallace Johnson of Murfreesboro who is coming out of retirement to teach social studies at J.P. King.

“I am coming out of retirement because I saw a need and I want to make a difference,” he said. “This is just what I do, and I love it. I love kids, I love teaching and I love people in general.”

As far as Sept. 2, when school gets started, Johnson said he’s ready.

“Always,” he said simply. “Let’s roll.”

Loveeta Britt grew up in Franklin, graduated from Franklin High School, and now is back at FHS teaching math on all levels.

“I’m here to make a difference,” said Britt, who had previously been teaching in Suffolk. “This will be a great year. I’ve met all of my colleagues, and we are all ready to make this a great year for Franklin City Public Schools.”

Bell said that he felt like the system did a good job in recruitment, and that all of the teachers already come with their proper certifications and endorsements.

Edna King, the school board chair, said she was happy to see this group come on board as well.

“I am convinced that we chose the right individuals for the indicated positions,” she said. “And I am exceptionally thrilled that they chose us.”

City officials were also on hand, including Mayor Raystine Johnson-Ashburn, who wanted the new teachers to know that Franklin has the school system’s back.

“We are very excited about the upcoming new year,” she said. “We are looking forward to success and we have great expectations that the superintendent will back them up.

“I know that it is going to take a lot of hard work, but we are looking to get full accreditation. And we are looking to stay there.”

Bell said that he thinks they have a good group to help make a difference in the system.

“They are enthused and ready to met he needs of the students,” he said. “They’re bringing experience and a lot of new energy to the table.”

Speaking of enthusiasm, Leonard said that he was very happy to be here, and he was grateful to get the opportunity to teach what he loves. Leonard loves music, and he hopes to pass on that passion to children.

“Since I was little, whenever I had an issue, there was always a song to help me get through it,” he said. “I am looking forward to molding young minds early, so when they get to middle school and high school, they will be ready. I hope they will have the same passion I have for music.”