MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — Public school teachers are starting to get pay raises as a way of combating a teacher shortage.
In December, Gov. Brian Kemp announced teachers across the state will get pay bonuses. Full-time state employees and teachers received $1,000.
Now, the Baldwin County School District is also trying to address the teacher shortage with a new program called the "Grow Your Own" Teacher Program.
Not only does the program address the ongoing teacher shortage in Central Georgia, but it also provides students with experience and opportunities to become the teachers they always wanted to be.
Baldwin High School, Georgia College State University and Central Georgia Technical College have all entered into an agreement aimed at addressing the teacher shortage.
Students in the teaching pathway were there to watch these schools partner and sign their memorandums of understanding.
Noris Price is the Superintendent for the Baldwin County School District and says she sees so much potential in these kids.
"Go out and get your education, but then we want you to come back and make a difference in our community," Price said. "We don't go into education for the money, we go into education to make a difference."
It's designed to prepare students to graduate from high school with an associate's degree or college credits from either school. Then, they can transfer to a partnering school or college to complete their undergraduate degree in education.
"We hope that they will see the passion and the commitment and dedication teachers have and the impact that they can have on future generations," Price said.
Justin Hightower is a junior at Baldwin High School. He says after all of the experience he's gained, he's ready to learn more and learn how to be the best teacher for the kids of the future.
"I feel comfortable teaching kids, and I'm not being uncomfortable saying I can't do this right now, I can't be a great teacher to the kids," Hightower said. "I know for a fact I can teach kids at any grade level."
Tameriana Reese is also a junior and enjoys working with kids, reading to them, and developing their literary skills. To her, this program is just the start.
"I just love the kids and I love teaching," Reese said. "I love that people can learn from me and that I can fixate on these kid's hearts."
The "Grow Your Own" teacher program also guarantees eligible students employment in the Baldwin County School District once they graduate.
The district was also awarded a $9,000 grant from the Georgia Department of Education. The "Cultivating Teachers" Grant goes towards teacher professional learning and recruitment.