Possible changes to DeKalb County teacher residency program [Video]

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — In a bid to bolster teacher retention and combat a critical shortage of educators, the DeKalb County School District is on the cusp of expanding its Ignite Teacher Residency Program pending a crucial vote on Monday evening. 

The Ignite program, which launched in January, aims to cultivate a new generation of educators by offering intensive training and support. Dr. Angelica Collins, Director of Employment Services for DeKalb County Schools, revealed that the district is poised to focus the program’s next phase specifically on special education.

“We’re only going to be concentrating on one specific subject area, which will be special-ed for this cohort,” Dr. Collins explained during a recent interview.

The program targets individuals without prior educational backgrounds, providing them with pedagogical training and support to pursue a master’s degree in education. Upon program completion, successful participants are guaranteed a teaching position within the district for …