Torey Knight is one of more than 70 recruits hired to work in seven Leeward Oahu schools struggling to retain teachers.

She is now two weeks away from finishing her first year at Waianae Elementary as a special education teacher. She plans to return this fall.

"It's had it's ups and downs but it's been really fulfilling and I'm happy with it," said Knight. "But it's also tiring and sometimes discouraging but the good definitely outweighs the bad in the end."

A new training program helped them learn about Hawaii's diverse cultures as well as the poverty many of their students face. They were also matched with mentors to help them with the transition.

"It made me feel a lot more comfortable with the Waianae community before we came into the schools and I think it really helped me understand the students a lot better," Knight said.

Jocelyn Pucci said there were tears on her first day and she started to question her decision to move here.

"I was very scared at first. I tried different things that I thought would help in the classroom and kind of crashed and burned," Pucci said.

But with the help of her mentor and the school she learned to deal with the unique challenges in her classroom.

"I have some students who come in and use the shower in my classroom. We go try to bring in clothes for students," said Pucci.

Officials said of the more than 70 recruits, only a handful won't be returning.

"We had to talk a couple people out of quitting just because they were so overwhelmed but once they hung in and they stayed for a couple of weeks, they were fine. They're thriving," said Brad Bennett, a teacher mentor.

"You're here for the students. I'm here to help the students out - to help them have a better future," said Pucci.

About 75 new recruits will start their training this summer. The returning teachers will continue to work with their mentors.

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