DeKalb GA News

The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) recently marked a significant milestone with the graduation of the first cohort from the IGNITE DeKalb Teacher Residency Program. On December 12, 41 new teachers completed the initial phase of this residency program and are set to begin their teaching careers in January.

This initiative, spearheaded by Superintendent Dr. Devon Q. Horton, is designed to tackle the pressing shortage of qualified educators by providing an alternative path to teacher certification. Dr. Horton shared his pride and enthusiasm for the graduates, reflecting on his own beginnings as a teacher and underscoring the importance 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 were chosen through a competitive selection process requiring a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field and a minimum GPA of 2.5. Upon completion, graduates commit to teaching in DCSD for five years.

The graduates include 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.

For more information about the IGNITE program and its opportunities visit dekalbschoolsga.org/ignite.