Teach Jackson is a partnership between Jackson Public Schools and Belhaven College, Jackson State University, Mississippi College, Mississippi State University, and the University of Mississippi to reduce shortages of teachers of mathematics, exceptional education, foreign languages, and the sciences. Goals include the recruitment and training of an annual cohort of 30 participants, for a total of 150, from an applicant pool of mid-career professionals and recent college graduates to teach in these core subject areas; the upgrade of the hiring process through an online application and tracking system; and the development of a comprehensive system for strengthening current alternate certification programs. Teach Jackson will help to retain highly qualified teachers in their first three years by providing opportunities for advanced studies, mentorship by master teachers, financial incentives, as well as professional development in pedagogy, classroom management, and human development. All teachers will meet the NCLB requirements for a highly qualified teacher before the first day in the classroom.