In an effort to keep teachers from leaving the classroom, the Jackson County Board of Education in West Virginia is offering free master’s degrees to 26 teachers in exchange for a commitment of at least five more years in the district. The teachers will complete their master’s degree in curriculum and instruction through the BloomBoard Educator Program. The degrees will be funded by federal money from the Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief Funds. The teachers will complete their master’s degree within two years online through Oklahoma Christian University, while remaining in the classroom. Jackson County will be the first in the state to try and retain teachers with this initiative.