ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The worker shortage is affecting a wide variety of professions, including teaching.

Local school districts are dealing with a shortage of both teachers and staff, just like every other district in New York.

Rochester Prep is trying to combat the shortage by helping people who want to become teachers go to school to do so while getting paid.

Teachers in Relay Residency start in a two-year program in which they begin the first year mentoring with a master teacher, similar to how a medical doctor trains. The student then becomes a full-time teacher in their second year.

During the first two years, 50% of tuition is covered for the new teacher and then if they continue to work for two more years, their tuition is 100% reimbursed.

"Nationwide we've been looking to break down barriers of entry to teaching," said Paul Powell, Uncommon Schools assistant superintendent. "We know, our research suggests, that a four-year degree, a love of working with children and a desire to help young people realize their full talent makes a great teacher if we can help them develop the knowledge, skills and mindset. And so programs like the Relay teacher residency builds upon that research and allows truly anyone who meets that critera to jump into this... probably the most important profession we have in our society. 

For more information on the program, click here.