School districts across Georgia and other parts of the country are constantly looking to hire new teachers. One reason they're hiring, 45 percent of teachers in Georgia quit in the first five years of educating.

Monday new teachers in Augusta heard about a program that aims to improve retention. It's called the Teacher Academy and is offered by The Professional Association of Georgia Educators.

The free two-year course helps strengthen teaching skills, and provide networking opportunities.

National Hills Elementary teacher Amelia Barnes says the program helped her make it to her fifth year.

"I was able to network with other teachers all over Georgia and that was a huge part of my growth as an educator," said Barnes.

So far Barnes is the only participant from Richmond County. But a spokesperson from PAGE hopes participation will grow statewide.