ignite website graphic 1

Our Program

The IGNITE DeKalb Teacher Residency Program is a groundbreaking initiative designed to disrupt traditional pathways to teacher certification and raise the bar for educational excellence. This alternate route to certification empowers committed, aspiring teachers—whether they are current paraprofessionals, substitute teachers, tutors, non-certified employees, or recent college graduates with a passion for teaching—to serve effectively in Horizon schools and high-priority schools across the district.

Through this innovative, no-cost program, selected candidates will not only receive rigorous preparation but also earn a post-secondary credential and teacher certification without any out-of-pocket expenses. The DeKalb County School District covers all costs, including tuition, textbooks, certification assessments, and fees, ensuring that our future educators can focus fully on developing the skills and knowledge needed to inspire the next generation of scholars.

  • 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.

year 1 residency at a glance

Teacher of record with coaching support.

Middle Georgia State University’s vision is to be the regional leader in preparing informed, caring, and professional graduates who will transform our social world. Every day, we work toward our goals of engaging students in the lifelong processes of learning, discovery, and application of knowledge.

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
  • Middle Georgia State University

middle ga state university

  • No-Cost Master’s Degree: Candidates will receive a fully funded Master’s degree, which includes coverage for textbooks and certification exam fees.
  • Living Stipend: Participants will benefit from a generous living stipend of $30,000 during their residency.
  • 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.
  • Sustainable Support: The program is designed for sustainability, offering ongoing coaching, comprehensive support, and a collaborative cohort model to enhance the learning experience.