Teacher Salary and Benefits

Salary

The starting salary for Fellows is the same as that for all other beginning teachers in the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD). Starting teachers in 2008-2009, with no previous classroom experience, earn between $39,456 and $46,786 in their first year, depending on their education level and related coursework. Fellows who successfully complete the OTF Training Institute and meet pre-employment requirements become salaried employees of OUSD in late August.  Teachers normally receive their first pay check at the end of September.  For more information about teacher salaries, click here.

Summer Stipend

Upon completion of the OTF Training Institute, Fellows are provided with a $2,000 (pre-tax) stipend. The stipend is distributed upon successful completion of training and meeting all District requirements in order to be in good standing as an Oakland Teaching Fellow. Because of the timing of the training stipend and because the time between the end of training and a Fellow’s first paycheck may be lengthy, we strongly encourage Fellows to plan appropriately to ensure their financial well-being during this time.  The stipend is intended to aid in this planning process

Benefits

When Fellows become employees of the Oakland Unified School District (after successfully completing the Training Institute, meeting pre-employment requirements, and signing OUSD employment contracts), they are eligible for the same comprehensive benefits as all new teachers. These benefits include a choice of medical, vision, and life insurance coverage that begin in September* and dental benefits which begin six months after being hired by the District. The District pays for full benefits for the employee and eligible dependents, as long as teachers remain in an eligible position. For more information on teacher benefits, visit the OUSD website by clicking here.

AmeriCorps Education Award

Oakland Teaching Fellows may apply for an AmeriCorps Education Award of $4,725 from the Corporation for National and Community Service during their first year as a Teaching Fellow.  If granted, the education award may fully cover or significantly assist with the cost of a Fellow’s credential program.  As AmeriCorps participants, Fellows are expected to engage in after-school activities such as tutoring targeted students, calling guardians after school, conducting home visits, coaching an academic team or sport, or participating in school committees. Fellows are also responsible for remaining in good standing with the program and fulfilling all OTF requirements.  The Oakland Teaching Fellows AmeriCorps Education Awards Program provides Fellows with the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of students in OUSD.

Financial Planning

The Oakland Teaching Fellows program provides the opportunity for Fellows to begin a teaching career immediately, without a lapse in a steady pay check. However, we encourage Fellows to plan for the summer months and the transition into a new career.

OTF encourages Fellows to plan early for a variety of costs associated with entering the teaching profession and relocation.

 All teachers in the Oakland Unified School District contribute to and benefit from The California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS)--the largest teachers’ retirement system in the United States. Assistance is also available to help OUSD employees set up a 403b Tax-Deferred Annuity Plan.

Loan Forgiveness

Fellows with Stafford, Perkins, and Eisenhower loans may be eligible for loan deferment or forgiveness. In the past Fellows have also applied for federal loan forgiveness programs that grant up to $17,500, dependent upon school placement, subject area, length of time teaching, and other requirements. For more information about the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program, click here.

Individual candidates should contact their lenders to determine eligibility for specific programs.

Homeowner Assistance

Several programs exist to assist OUSD employees in the goal of home ownership in Oakland. The city’s Housing and Community Development Division (HCD) offers opportunities for below-market-rate loans and down-payment assistance for teachers at high-need schools.

More information is available on the HCD website.

*Assuming teacher signs contract in August