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. 

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. 

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. 

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!

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 

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