Kate Hargreaves and Hannah Davis are just two of the new breed and what makes their inclusion all the more significant is the fact the duo have returned to the region to offer their expertise.

Born and raised in Stawell, Ms Hargreaves, who completed a Bachelor of Education prep-10 through the University of Ballarat, has been appointed a full time grade three teacher at Stawell 502 Primary School.

Like many these days Ms Hargreaves took a 'gap year' after she completed her secondary school studies, however soon discovered a passion for teaching.

"I had a gap year working for harness racing trainer Kerryn Manning and loved it so much I wasn't sure if I would accept my offer.

"In the end I decided it would be a good idea to have something behind me and that I could always come back to the horses later," she said.

"I decided to become a teacher because I enjoy working with children and it is such a rewarding career.

"I love watching students grow, develop and learn new things and knowing I am responsible for giving them a better future is a great feeling."

Ms Hargreaves said she was grateful for the opportunity of employment in her old stomping ground of Stawell.

"I am glad to be working where I grew up, I love Stawell as it is a welcoming community and although it is a small town there is still a lot to do with the Grampians being so close and annual events like the Stawell Gift.

"I have friends and family here also, so it has worked out well."

Ms Hargreaves said she doesn't have any long term goals, but to simply be the best she can at what she has been employed to do - Educate.

"I'm excited for the year ahead, but also very nervous, I'm sure once the school year starts I will be fine," she said.

"I don't really have any career goals, I just want to get through this year and be the best teacher I can be and take it from there."

Originally from Moyston, Ms Davis has returned to the region to assume a teaching position at Stawell 502 after five years living and studying in Bendigo.

Ms Davis studied a Bachelor of Visual Art before transferring to a Bachelor of Primary/Special Education through La Trobe University.

"I decided to get into teaching to help foster a community in which children can explore, create and strive to reach their full potential and achieve their personal goals," she said.

"I've been lucky enough to get grade one students this year and I am greatly looking forward to meeting all the students, parents and staff."

Ms Davis said she was excited for the year ahead and had so far felt very welcome since she arrived in Stawell.

"It is good to be back living in such a beautiful region and I'm finding Stawell to be a very welcoming and friendly community which makes the transition a bit easier," she said.

"I'm focused on learning as much as I can this year in order to constantly improve my teaching practice and be the best educator I can be at this early stage in my career."

And for prospective teachers - people who may have just been offered a place at University to study teaching this year, the message from Ms Hargreaves was clear.

"Be organised and you have to love what you do because despite what a lot of people may think you do work very long hours and it is a very high stress job, but if you are passionate none of that matters," she said.

"I'm looking forward to a great year ahead."