IGNITE DeKalb Teacher Residency Program offering 50 slots for initial round starting in 2024

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–Today, the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) announced the official launch of its IGNITE DeKalb Teacher Residency Program, a signature initiative of Superintendent Devon Q. Horton to address the critical need for qualified educators in the district.

District officials stated in ia news release:

“The IGNITE (Inspiring Greatness and Normalizing Innovation in Teacher Education) DeKalb Teacher Residency Program is a transformational approach, providing an alternate and effective route to teacher certification. Aimed at preparing a new wave of high-quality, dedicated educators, IGNITE creates an achievable path to the classroom for passionate individuals seeking to shape the future of education. It also demonstrates DCSD’s commitment to innovative strategies that address critical educational challenges by developing the next generation of exceptional teachers.”

The newly-launched website, available at https://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/ignite/, has already garnered significant attention. During the program’s unadvertised, soft launch last weekend, more than 400 individuals expressed interest, district officials said.

Only 50 slots will be available in the initial cohort set to begin in January 2024. Candidates will be chosen through a competitive selection process. A new cohort is set to begin every six months.

Prospective IGNITE candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field with a minimum 2.5 GPA from an accredited college. Upon program completion, cohort graduates commit to teaching in DCSD for five years. Some of the key benefits of IGNITE include:

·       Education and Training: Candidates receive a free master’s degree and extensive training with no out-of- pocket expenses.

·       Financial Support: A $30,000 living stipend is provided during the training year.

·       Job Security: Successful candidates are guaranteed a teaching job in DCSD with a minimum starting salary of $57,000.

·       For IGNITE program details and to apply, visit: https://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/ignite/

See DCSD Superintendent Horton’s vision for the IGNITE program at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ukD0BCqxrc 

DCSD Superintendent Devon Q. Horton is launching IGNITE, his signature initiative to recruit more highly-qualified educators to the district.