AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - A new partnership with Richmond County Schools will help non-traditional teachers earn their official certifications for the classroom.

We are talking about $200,000 in scholarships for teachers to continue their education, and leaders hope this will help strengthen the educator pipeline in our local schools.

"This is a game changer for us," said Dr. Melissa Shepard, Richmond County School System Chief of Human Resources.

The Richmond County School System is taking steps to help educators by working to increase certified teachers in the area.

"This is the first time we've ever actually had some money to help support our non-certified teachers to get to earn their professional certification in the classroom," said Shepard.

Shepard says this is all made possible through community partnerships.

"It comes from a community grant, $100,000 will be directly to Augusta University. $80,000 will go towards CSRA Regional Education Services Agency."

The program focuses on teachers already in the Richmond County School System.

Theirs just missing one component, their certification.

"They have a degree. Many of them have a master's degree. It's just in another field, but they somewhere along their career path, have made the decision that they want to support our students," said Shepard.

Recipients are required to work in the Richmond County School System for at least two years after earning their certification.

"I'm not really worried about them staying for two years, because they're here already. They've already made the commitment," said Shepard.

Shepard says they are thankful for this partnership, especially during a time when it's so difficult to find certified teachers.