Teaching in Oakland Unified

The Oakland Unified School District is one of the largest urban school districts in the state of California, with about 41,500 students and 2,600 teachers.  OUSD is the second largest employer in Oakland.  As of September 2007, there are 66 elementary schools, 19 middle schools, 16 high schools, and 9 alternative schools.  In efforts to lead the movement in educational reform, the District has also committed to developing smaller learning communities in several of the city’s traditional high schools through OUSD's New School Development Group.  For more information, click here.

Student diversity in OUSD reflects that of the city as a whole with 15,129 (38.1%) African American students; 6,232 (15.7%) Asian; 2,560 (6.4%) Caucasian; 311 (0.8%) Filipino; 12,899 (32.5%) Latino; 154 (0.4%) Native American; 461 (1.2%) Pacific Islander; and 1959 (4.9%) Other.*

Priorities

Fellows teach in high-need schools throughout the city where the need for high caliber teachers is most critical. Teachers in these schools must be especially committed to overcoming the challenges that they face in helping their students achieve. The first year for any new teacher is challenging, and Fellows should anticipate an intense effort, especially at the beginning of the year.  Becoming a Fellow means making a commitment to the students of Oakland and to their academic achievement. Although dramatic gains can and should be made even during the first year teaching, Fellows find that due to their own professional growth and development, their second and third years often open even greater opportunities to succeed in increasing their students' academic achievement. By making a long-term commitment to Oakland's students and their network of colleagues and the community, Fellows can expect to increase their impact each year. By focusing on their own classrooms, Fellows can become part of an combined effort toward school-wide change.

A Typical School Day

A full teaching day in the Oakland Unified School District is just under seven hours from start to finish. A typical school day may run from 8:25 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. or 7:55 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. In addition, Fellows attend courses as they pursue their California credential - as well as professional development activities to help support their classroom efforts. Beyond the formal school day, Fellows should expect to spend time out of class preparing lessons, grading student work, and communicating with parents and guardians. They may have after-school meetings with school staff, their grade-level or subject team, or students’ family members.

Felows' dedication, proactive problem solving, and hard work each day can translate into a real impact on their students' academic success.

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* OUSD Data Portal, CBEDS Enrollment by Ethnicity, 2006-2007