DeKalb County School District IGNITE Teacher Residency Program at Middle Georgia State University
MGA is proud to offer DeKalb County School District IGNITE (Inspiring Greatness and Normalizing Innovation in Teacher Education) Teacher Residency Program candidates an opportunity to enroll in and earn a Master of Arts in Teaching Degree (MAT). This innovative program will provide candidates an opportunity to complete the MAT degree in one year and to be recommended for teacher certification. Students will complete online classes each semester with a face-to-face component one afternoon per week in DeKalb County. In addition to providing course instruction, MGA’s faculty will provide academic advising, mentoring, and overall program support as candidates work through the degree requirements. Interested individuals are encouraged to review the benefits of the IGNITE program on this flyer:
Click here for PDF version
Program Admission
Admission to the program is a three phase process.
Phase I:
Individuals interested in this program will begin with expressing interest to the DeKalb County School District by clicking here.
After submitting your contact information, a representative will contact you in regards to next steps.
Phase II: MGA admission to the MAT program
In order to be considered for admission candidates need to:
- Submit an online application (please note there is no admissions application fee for this program). Click here to complete the application
- Email the supporting admission documents below to IGNITEDCSD@mga.edu.
- Resume
- Statement of Goals – This 500 word or less essay needs to describe why you are interested in pursing a graduate degree in Teaching, how it will help you realize your ultimate career goals, and why this program is your best fit.
- Official undergraduate transcript indicating a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university approved by the GaPSC.
- After an admissions decision and DCSD has formally accepted individuals into the IGNITE program, individuals will need to submit:
- Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment (360). Individuals accepted into the program will be provided an opportunity to sit for this exam with the cost covered by DCSD.
- Proof of liability insurance. This will be completed in conjunction with DCSD.
- Obtain a Pre-Service Certificate for GaPSC. This will be done in conjunction with MGA.
Phase III:
Phase III of the hiring process consists of IGNITE Selection Day events. Selection Day events provide candidates the opportunity to display their skills and talents to the IGNITE staff and selection committees. Only applicants selected to advance to Phase III will be invited to participate in Selection Day.
Activities during 2023-2024 Selection Days will be consist of the following:
- Group Discussion
- 5-Minute Mini Lesson
- Coaching Session
- Individual Interview
The Selection Day event will last about 2 1/2 hours. The IGNITE DeKalb Teacher Residency staff members will facilitate selection Days.
If you have questions about this program, please contact MGA Admissions at IGNITEDCSD@mga.edu or call us at 478.342.0205.
If you would like additional information about the program please click here.
