RALEIGH, N.C. — While a majority of students are still enjoying summer vacation, some teachers are already in the classroom, getting a crash course on ways to ensure a successful school year.

East Millbrook Middle School starts recruiting teachers for the following school year in December. Through its newcomer's camp, school leaders are working hard to keep the teachers they have worked so hard to recruit.

As part of the school's camp, the teachers are paired with mentors, receive classrooms resources, helpful reading material and a tour of the school.

Erik Riggs is one of the newcomers. This will be his first year teaching.

"I've wanted to teach since I was in the public school system myself. I think a lot of it was being a student and seeing things I wanted to change," he said.

Camp is more than a welcome -- it is a hope that the incoming teachers turn into veterans.

"There isn't a more difficult job out there for them to do. If they're not feeling support, they're not going to stick in this profession," principal David Ansbacher said.

North Carolina teachers are leaving classrooms in record numbers; by their fourth year, 45 percent of them are gone.

"What we're doing here with kids is too important to have teachers turning around every year," Ansbacher said.

East Millbrook Middle currently has a staff of about 80 teachers. The school lost 14 teachers from last year.