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The debate over what makes a good teacher can be, at best subjective and at worst litigious. (See Vergara v California, which got underway yesterday.) But USC’s Rossier School of Education may have cracked the code and is now partnering with Los Angeles Unified and several charter school groups to make more of them.

The graduate school — ranked 17th in the nation by U.S. News and World Report — will provide local teachers with scholarships and enhanced professional development through its online teaching program. The offer for extra help extends to teachers from KIPP LA Schools, Green Dot Public Schools and LA Partnership for LA Schools.

“We have always worked collaboratively with schools here in Los Angeles,” said USC Rossier Dean Karen Symms Gallagher. “But these new formalized partnerships will help ensure that the best teachers are working with local students to make sure they learn and succeed.”

There is no limit to the number of teachers from each organization who can apply. Barbara Goen, Communications Director for USC Rossier, told LA School Report that teachers at all levels can take advantage of the program.

“New, in service teachers can enter our credentialing program and experienced teachers who have been in the system for years and want to improve their skills or earn a specific certificate can do that, too,” she said.

LA Unified and the other charter organizations will also get access to USC Rossier’s network of teacher online portfolios and tap into it for future recruitment.

“This unique partnership affords LAUSD a wonderful opportunity to work closely with USC pre-service educators and the Rossier School on teacher preparation and teacher quality,” LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy said. “It will provide tremendous benefits to our youth for many years to come.”