Application Process

Interested in applying? Ready to close the achievement gap? Keep reading for more information about how the process works and what is required to join our efforts.

STEP 1: READ THIS WEBSITE!

Before you do anything else, carefully read through the information on this website and familiarize yourself with the details of the program. Oakland Teaching Fellows also holds regular Information Sessions for individuals interested in applying to the program.

To register for an Information Session, click here.

STEP 2: CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY.

Applicants to the program must meet a number of eligibility requirements in order to be considered. Make sure that you're eligible! Thoroughly read the section on Eligibility for the Oakland Teaching Fellows, and if you still have questions about your specific situation, email us at info@OaklandTeachingFellows.org.

STEP 3: APPLY NOW!

Applying is easy with our online application. You can complete the application form and responses to Application Questions electronically. Click here to apply online today.

A complete application includes the following:

Complete Online Application Form
Resume
Responses to Application Questions

Resume
You will need to upload a current resume in Microsoft Word or PDF format. We cannot accept documents in Word Perfect, Microsoft Works, etc. Your resume should include information such as but not limited to work history, previous achievements, community involvement and teaching/tutoring/volunteer experience with children.

Application Questions
Your responses to the Application Questions provide us with information not captured elsewhere in the application. We use your responses to evaluate your writing and critical thinking skills, and more importantly, to gain a sense of your commitment to teaching students in the Oakland Unified School District. Please note that only original responses to the Applications Questions will be considered. Do not submit a generic cover letter, personal statement in place of responses to the Application Questions, as it will not provide our office with the information we need to assess your candidacy for the program accurately. We recommend that you carefully review the questions and guidelines found on the application before responding. The Application Questions can also be found below.

Application Questions (200-400 words each):

Nearly all Fellows are hired to teach in in 'high-need' schools that are located in low-income communities. Why do you want to teach in a high-need school and what experiences have prepared you for the challenges of teaching in a high-need school?
The most important responsibility of a teacher is to ensure high academic achievement for all students. Explain how a skill or ability that you possess will help you ensure high academic achievement for all students and provide an example of how you have effectively demonstrated this skill or ability in the past.
Briefly describe a time when you achieved a goal in the face of challenges or while balancing multiple responsibilities. What steps did you take to ensure you would meet your goal, and how will that experience contribute to your ability to be successful with your students?

Click here to apply now.

STEP 4: REGISTER FOR CSET AND CBEST.

In order to be fully admitted into the program, all candidates must take and pass the appropriate CSET examination, or demonstrate completion of subject matter requirements, before beginning the Training Institute. Passage of the CBEST, or completion of the basic skills requirement, is also required to teach in California. Fellows must take the CSET no later than May 8, 2010 and the CBEST no later than April 10, 2010. Both teaching tests are administered by National Evaluation Systems, Inc. (NES). For details about the test and specific requirements, see the section of this website entitled Testing Requirements. Teachers report that the CSET is extremely difficult and requires careful preparation to pass, and applicants are strongly encouraged to register for and take the CSET as soon as possible.

STEP 5: REQUEST TRANSCRIPTS.

If selected for an interview, candidates must bring one official transcript from all universities attended to the Interview Event. The transcript should show the date that the bachelor's degree was conferred. Candidates that will graduate after May 2010 should bring unofficial transcripts to the interview and send official transcripts with the degree conferred to the Oakland Teaching Fellows office by July 14, 2010. Please do not send transcripts before the Interview Event. In rare cases, candidates who are unable to obtain official transcripts before his/her interview date should contact the OTF program office for next steps

Please note that we cannot return transcripts after they have been submitted, even if you are not admitted to the program.

If you attended a foreign university, please review the Eligibility section for information specific to candidates with foreign transcripts.

STEP 6: INTERVIEW. (Invited candidates only)

Applicants demonstrating strong potential will be invited to participate in one of our Interview Events. If invited, you should be prepared to interview in Oakland at one of the scheduled Interview Events posted on this website. The Interview Event will include a teaching sample, a discussion with other candidates, a writing sample, and a personal interview. Please note that our comprehensive interview process allows the District to offer a job guarantee to begin teaching in the fall of 2010.

Also, please note that not all applicants will be invited to an Interview Event.

STEP 7: WAIT FOR A DECISION.

OUSD will decide whether or not an applicant is accepted into the District as an Oakland Teaching Fellow, based on the strength of the submitted application materials and Interview Event performance. Interviewees will be notified of their admission status within two weeks of the Interview Event by email or mail. At this time, selected candidates will access an electronic enrollment package with additional information on the program and a deadline by which to enroll in Oakland Teaching Fellows.

STEP 8: COMPLETE SCHOOL DISTRICT REQUIREMENTS.

Before Fellows can begin training, they must provide the following documentation required by the Oakland Unified School District:

Employment and CCTC Fingerprinting Clearance (Fellows are responsible for related fingerprinting fees and will learn more about this once accepted)
Current Verification of Negative TB Test or Chest X-Ray Results (obtained within two months of district processing date)I-9 Documentation for Employment Eligibility (i.e. proof of citizenship or legal residency)
Three Letters of Recommendation
Official Transcripts from ALL institutions attended*
Copies of Passing Basic Skills Requirement (CBEST Scores or Multiple Subject CSET and Writing Skills Exam)
Copies of Passing CSET Scores (for the appropriate CSET)**
Copy of Social Security Card (must bring actual social security card at time of pre-employment processing)

Selected Fellows will receive more information about these requirements upon acceptance into the program.***

All candidates accepted as Fellows are guaranteed a position to begin teaching in a high-need position in Oakland in the fall of 2010.

*To enroll in the Fellows program, you must submit transcripts from all institutions attended--including community colleges–at the time of your interview. Fellows should request a total of three copies from each institution: one to be submitted to Oakland Teaching Fellows and two to be held by the Fellow for admission to an Intern Credential Program

** Please note that CSET passage is not required to attend an interview or to be conditionally accepted into the program. However, all Fellows must pass the appropriate CSET(s) for their subject area in order to begin the Training Institute this summer. If you are unsure as to which CSET you should take after reviewing the information on this website, email questions to info@OaklandTeachingFellows.org.

***New teachers must pass background checks for OUSD and the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing prior to entering the classroom and working with students.

How to Apply