The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) recently celebrated the graduation of the inaugural cohort of the IGNITE DeKalb Teacher Residency Program.

On December 12, 41 new teachers officially completed the first stage of the residency program and are set to begin their careers in January. The IGNITE program, a key initiative led by Superintendent Dr. Devon Q. Horton, aims to address the critical shortage of qualified educators by offering an alternative route to teacher certification.

Dr. Horton expressed his pride and excitement for the graduates, sharing his own experience as a new teacher and highlighting the significance of this program.

“IGNITE offers a unique opportunity for educators, addressing the teacher shortage while nurturing the development of future teacher leaders,” said Dr. Horton. “The inaugural cohort will fill nearly two-thirds of the current teacher vacancies within DCSD. I am grateful for the support provided by the DeKalb County Board of Education and recognize the hard work of many individuals across various divisions and schools that made this milestone possible.”

Candidates in the program were selected through a competitive process, with eligibility requiring a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field and a minimum GPA of 2.5. Upon completion, graduates are committed to teaching in DCSD for five years. Key benefits of the program include:

  • Education and Training: A free master’s degree and extensive training at no cost to candidates.
  • Financial Support: A $30,000 living stipend during the training year.
  • Job Security: Guaranteed teaching positions in DCSD with a starting salary of around $60,000.

The graduates are: Amina Abuubaker, Willie Bailey, Maleah Boyd-Gouveia, Danielle Bulluck, Chloe Burton, Miranda Cook, Jamal Cumberbatch, Daijah DeRamus, Citlalli Colon Diaz, Ramsey Eden, Felicia Freeman, Raymond Glass, Marcia Gordon, Cody Green, Jocelyn Gresham, Adjia Harper, Erin Harris, Kimberly Heinlein, Channing Hixon, Sabrina Johnson, Vanessa Johnson, Randall Jones, Jai King, Denna Lewis, Dennis Lukiri, Shana McCombs, Erica Miles, Rasheeda Miller, Ricquita Miller, Samone Mingo, Corey Moore, Reyshawnda Partee, Natalie Raeburn, Samiyah Shakir, Megan Sithole, Leah Thomas, Kiyah Walton, Clairisa Williams, Faith Williams, Aisha Woods, and Phillip Woullard.

To learn more about the IGNITE program and its opportunities, visit dekalbschoolsga.org/ignite.