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TeacherFest welcomes 600 new Palm Beach County teachers

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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.