IGNITE Resident Intern

IGNITE Resident Intern

DeKalb County School District

Position Overview

The IGNITE Resident Intern is a full-time, year-long clinical residency role designed for aspiring educators who hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field and are pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.). IGNITE residents complete their residency in DeKalb County School District classrooms and participate in a rigorous, cohort-based teacher preparation experience that integrates daily classroom practice, targeted coaching, and graduate-level coursework. Upon successful program completion, residents are prepared and expected to transition into full-time teaching roles in high-priority DeKalb County Schools.

Residents work alongside a trained Mentor Teacher and are supported by a Talent Development Coach through a structured gradual release model, developing the instructional skill, professional identity, and confidence needed to successfully transition into full-time teaching roles within DeKalb County Schools.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Classroom Experience

• Engage four (4) days per week in a year-long clinical placement with a Mentor Teacher, participating in a continuous cycle of planning, instruction, assessment, and reflection.
• Progress through a gradual release of responsibility, beginning with focused classroom observation and co-teaching and advancing toward increased instructional leadership and classroom responsibilities.
• Implement high-quality, standards-aligned instructional practices designed to meet clearly defined learning objectives for all students.

Instructional Practice & Learning Environment

• Create and maintain a positive, inclusive, and culturally responsive classroom environment aligned with DeKalb County School District’s mission, vision, and equity commitments.
• Use formative assessments and student data to inform instruction and support diverse learners.
• Apply instructional strategies that address a range of academic, linguistic, and social-emotional needs.

Special Education & Diverse Learners

• Learn and actively participate in the development, implementation, and monitoring of IEPs and 504 plans in collaboration with special education staff and support teams.
• Demonstrate an asset-based, strengths-focused approach to supporting students with disabilities and other diverse learning needs.

Professional Growth & Feedback

• Engage in regular reflective feedback cycles with the Mentor Teacher, University Supervisor, and Talent Development Coach.
• Demonstrate openness to feedback, a commitment to continuous improvement, and the ability to apply feedback to instructional practice.
• Participate fully in IGNITE residency cohort learning experiences, including district-wide professional learning, Bridge Weeks, and required program meetings.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain consistent attendance and punctuality in alignment with the assigned school’s calendar, daily schedule, and IGNITE residency expectations, and communicate absences or schedule changes promptly and professionally.
• Demonstrate professional communication and collaboration with students’ families, Mentor Teachers, school administrators, and other school- and district-based staff.
• Adhere to all DeKalb County School District policies and IGNITE program expectations, including participation in required meetings and professional learning.

University Coursework

• Successfully complete all university program requirements, including coursework, assignments, projects, portfolios, and assessments required for the M.A.T. program.
• Maintain satisfactory academic standing as defined by the university partner and IGNITE program expectations.

Minimum Qualifications / Eligibility Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a non-education field
• Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5
• Ability to commit to a full-year, in-person residency aligned to district and university calendars

Position Details

• Stipend: $30,000 living supplement 
• Employment Status: Part-Time
• Benefits: Non-benefited position
• Program Length: One academic year (aligned to district and university calendars)