Welcome to IGNITE DeKalb Teacher Residency Program!
About IGNITE

Our Story, Our Purpose
The nation is facing a critical shortage of qualified educators. Education Week predicted that last school year, there were over 36,000 classrooms nationwide without a certified teacher, and more than 163,000 teachers were not prepared for the subjects they taught. The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) found a sharp decline in students earning an undergraduate degree in education, dropping from 200,000 annually in the early 1970s to less than 90,000 in 2018-19. Additionally, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have led to further declines in undergraduate enrollment, intensifying the challenges for teacher preparation programs.
In response to these growing challenges, the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is disrupting the traditional approach to teacher preparation by launching bold initiatives to achieve new heights of excellence. Recognizing that we can no longer rely solely on colleges and universities to meet the demands of our schools, DCSD has taken education to new levels by developing its own dynamic teacher pipeline. By forming strategic partnerships with high-quality Educator Preparation Program Providers (EPPs), DCSD has created an innovative, no-cost, District-sponsored Teacher Residency Program. This program is designed to equip talented individuals with the skills, knowledge, and experiences necessary to become highly qualified teachers, ensuring that every classroom is led by a prepared, passionate educator who embodies the district’s commitment to excellence.
Our Program

IGNITE DeKalb Teacher Residency Program is a groundbreaking initiative designed to disrupt traditional certification pathways and raise the bar for educational excellence. This alternate route empowers committed aspiring teachers, whether current paraprofessionals, substitute teachers, tutors, noncertified employees, or recent college graduates with a passion for teaching, to serve effectively in Horizon and other high priority schools across the district. IGNITE DeKalb prepares educators who are classroom ready and community rooted, equipped to “Disrupt for Excellence: New Heights, New Levels.”
Through this innovative no cost program, selected candidates receive rigorous preparation while earning both a postsecondary credential and teacher certification without any out of pocket expenses. The DeKalb County School District covers all program costs including tuition, textbooks, certification assessments, and fees, ensuring that future educators can focus fully on developing the skills and knowledge needed to inspire the next generation of scholars.
What is a Teacher Residency Program?
Teacher residency programs are fast-tracked alternative pathways for prospective educators who already hold a bachelor’s degree to become teachers of record. Teacher residencies offer a rigorous, full-year apprenticeship with master-level skills and practices, focusing on data-driven instructional practices. Unlike other alternative models, Teacher Residents work alongside a certified Mentor Teacher for one year.
Program at a Glance
University Partners
Residents engage in rigorous coursework with our university partners, preparing them to excel in elementary, special education, and middle or secondary classrooms. These partnerships ensure that residents receive comprehensive training in both educational theory and effective pedagogy, tailored to meet the diverse needs of students, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in today’s dynamic educational environment.
- Clayton State University
- Kennesaw State University
Program Highlights
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No-Cost Master’s Degree: Candidates will receive a fully funded Master’s degree, which includes coverage for textbooks and certification exam fees.
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Living Stipend: Participants will benefit from a generous living stipend of $30,000 during their residency.
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Employment as Certified Teacher-of-Record: Graduates will step into a fully certified teacher-of-record position in their second year, with a competitive salary of approximately $60,000.
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Sustainable Support: The program is designed for sustainability, offering ongoing coaching, comprehensive support, and a collaborative cohort model to enhance the learning experience.
Application Process
Why Become an IGNITE Resident Teacher?
Becoming an IGNITE Resident Teacher means more than just earning a degree. It is about stepping into a calling to transform lives and disrupt the status quo in education. You will join a bold movement where your passion for teaching is matched by a program designed to equip you with the skills, support, and confidence to make a lasting impact.
With a fully funded Master’s degree, a generous living stipend, and ongoing support from a collaborative cohort, you will have everything you need to thrive. Most importantly, you will be helping students reach new heights of excellence every single day.
Become an IGNITE Resident Teacher and spark the change you wish to see in education. Your journey begins here.
Applying To IGNITE
Becoming an IGNITE Resident Teacher is a selective, four-phase process.

Once onboarding is complete, you’ll officially begin your journey as an IGNITE Resident Teacher, ready to spark change and inspire the next generation of scholars.
Apply Now
IGNITE Teacher Residency Program
Ready to take the next step toward becoming a teacher?
The IGNITE Teacher Residency Program prepares passionate, purpose-driven individuals to become effective educators in DeKalb County Schools through a fully supported, cohort-based residency experience.
Apply now and take the first step toward making a meaningful impact in our schools and communities.
Apply Now!
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the minimum qualifications to apply to become a Resident Teacher?
- Do I need to have an education degree to become a Resident Teacher?
- Can I apply to the Teacher Residency Program if I already have a teaching license?
- Is there an age requirement to participate in the IGNITE DeKalb Teacher Residency Program?
- Do I have to live in DeKalb County to participate in the IGNITE DeKalb Teacher Residency Program?
- In which DeKalb County Schools does IGNITE place Resident Teachers In?
- When does the residency program start and end?
- What does the typical day look like for a Resident Teacher?
- What grade levels are Resident Teachers assigned to during the residency year?
- What’s my teaching commitment at the end of the residency year?
What are the minimum qualifications to apply to become a Resident Teacher?
To become an IGNITE DeKalb Resident Teacher, interested applicants will need to:
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Have or expect to hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education from an accredited college or university prior to the start of the program
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Have at least a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
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A passion for teaching in an urban school district
Do I need to have an education degree to become a Resident Teacher?
No, you don’t need to have a degree in education to apply for an IGNITE DeKalb Teacher Resident position. In fact, we are looking for aspiring teachers who have no previous teaching experience. You do need to have earned a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and have had at least a 2.5 GPA.
Can I apply to the Teacher Residency Program if I already have a teaching license?
Is there an age requirement to participate in the IGNITE DeKalb Teacher Residency Program?
Do I have to live in DeKalb County to participate in the IGNITE DeKalb Teacher Residency Program?
In which DeKalb County Schools does IGNITE place Resident Teachers In?
IGNITE partners with several Training Academy Sites across DCSD to support our residents. Training Academies may vary from year to year and are subject to change. Current and past IGNITE Training Academies include:
Allgood Elementary School
Bob Mathis Elementary School
Doraville United Elementary School
Kelly Lake Elementary School
Peachcrest Elementary
Pleasantdale Elementary
Princeton Elementary
Toney Elementary
Chapel Hill Middle
Henderson Middle
Stephenson Middle
Columbia High School
Cross Keys High School
Southwest DeKalb High School
When does the residency program start and end?
What does the typical day look like for a Resident Teacher?
What grade levels are Resident Teachers assigned to during the residency year?
What’s my teaching commitment at the end of the residency year?
Our Team
The IGNITE Team is a dedicated group of educators and leaders committed to developing the next generation of highly skilled, transformative teachers for DeKalb County Schools. Through a holistic approach to coaching, support, and community, we ensure every resident thrives in the classroom and beyond.
Talent Development Coaches
- Jennecia Williams
- Katrina Usher
- Loren Garner
- Nedra Anthony
- Rodericus Rogers
Ashley Vierra, Residency Program Manager
Carina Harrigan, Director
Contact: ignitedtr@dekalbschoolsga.org
CHECK Us Out On Instagram @ignitedekalb


