ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Rochester City School District teachers are preparing for the start of classes next week. For a few instructors, it's a homecoming of sorts.

Zanayia Hercules went to Helen Barrett Montgomery School No. 50 from kindergarten through 6th grade. She'll be making her big return next week to teach music.

Ms. Hercules said despite some negative views of the school district, she hopes to inspire students the same way she was inspired growing up.

“Don't be scared of it," said Hercules. "Those are the kinds of things that you should attack and try to fix. So that's why I came back, 'cause not only did those teachers give me an opportunity, I didn't have no choice but to be in the RCSD. I had no choice. So just like those students that are there now that have had that same no choice that I did, I should be able to do the same thing that my teachers did. Forget the fears, forget all that. I'm here to make a difference."

Hercules comes from a family of teachers. Her mother teaches at School 29, while her grandmother retired from teaching but still substitutes in the district.