Augusta, Ga. — A new initiative in Georgia hopes to address the ongoing teacher shortage by providing support and resources for those interested in entering the classroom, while also emphasizing the importance of the teaching profession. The website, Teach in the Peach, was created by a group of educators to recruit more teachers into Georgia schools and raise awareness about the vital role teachers play in shaping the future.

The Georgia Department of Education (DOE) conducted a study in 2022 to investigate why teachers were leaving the profession. The most common answer? Teacher burnout. This issue has led to a shortage of educators in the state, which in turn has impacted student learning and classroom environments. As a result, a group of educators, including Christy Todd, a former teacher and Education Program Specialist at the Georgia Department of Education, collaborated on the development of Teach in the Peach to find ways to bring teachers back into the classroom.

Todd explained that the goal was to create a one-stop online hub to provide comprehensive information about teaching in Georgia. “We worked with over 250 individuals—people who want to become teachers but currently aren’t—to understand the barriers they face and the questions they have about the profession,” Todd said. The website is designed to address those questions and provide answers to individuals considering teaching as a career.

The website offers several key features, including detailed information about the benefits of becoming a teacher, an interactive job map, and a career quiz. However, one of the most popular aspects of the site is its contact form, where current and former teachers can share their personal stories. These testimonials provide invaluable insights into the rewards and challenges of being an educator.

Through this contact form, the team behind Teach in the Peach has received heartfelt messages from individuals across different industries. One such message came from a business professional who, despite owning a successful multi-million dollar company, felt unfulfilled in his current role and was eager to transition into teaching. “He sent us a message through the form asking, ‘How can I become a teacher? Is there a place for me?’” Todd shared.

The website’s launch was met with a wave of positive feedback. On the first day alone, it garnered nearly 900 page visits, a clear indication of the public’s interest in the initiative. Todd noted that teachers are the “ultimate influencers,” with the power to shape the future of their students and communities. “Every single one of us can think of one, if not dozens, of teachers who have had a massive impact on our lives,” she said.

By highlighting these stories and offering resources for potential educators, Teach in the Peach aims to inspire the next generation of teachers and help combat the issues of burnout and teacher shortages. With the support of more than 90 current teachers and input from state representatives, the initiative hopes to play a significant role in revitalizing the teaching profession in Georgia.

As the site continues to grow in popularity, Todd and her team are optimistic that the platform will help both current educators and those considering entering the field connect with the resources they need to succeed.