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Welcome to IGNITE DeKalb Teacher Residency Program!

Our Story, Our Purpose

The purpose of the IGNITE (Inspiring Greatness and Normalizing Innovation in Teacher Education) DeKalb Teacher Residency Program is to create an alternate route to certification programs designed to prepare high-quality, committed, aspiring teachers who can work effectively with students in Horizon schools across the District. These aspiring teachers may be current paraprofessionals, substitute teachers, tutors, non-certified employees, or college graduates with a passion for teaching the next generation of scholars. During the entirety of their preparation program, selected candidates will be given the opportunity to earn a post-secondary credential and teacher certification at no out-of-pocket cost. The DeKalb County School District will bear all cost of all tuition, textbooks, certification assessments, and fees on behalf of the candidates selected.

To impact student achievement in DeKalb County School District by developing a pipeline of highly qualified, specially trained teachers equipped with the content knowledge, pedagogical strategies, and cultural competence necessary to thrive as an urban educator.

IGNITE DeKalb Teacher Residency’s goal is to collectively develop and retain high-quality, diverse educators to energetically serve the various needs of Dekalb County students, families, and the school community.

  • Prioritize Students
  • Do The Work
  • Focus on Results
  • Reflect and Adjust

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