Make a Difference
Teachers are the heart of the school system; they have the opportunity to affect the academic success of their students. Studies show student achievement is more heavily influenced by teacher quality than by students' race, class, prior academic record, or school a student attends. This effect is particularly strong among students from low-income families and African American students. *
The OUSD mission is "to ensure that all students graduate as caring, competent, and critical thinkers, as well as fully-informed, engaged, and contributing citizens, prepared to succeed in college and career." To fulfill this mission, schools need teachers who will hold their students to the highest of standards and work relentlessly to see them achieve. Although great strides have been made in the quality of education in Oakland and in student achievement, dedicated teachers are still needed to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to succeed. The number of Oakland 9th graders who scored proficient or above on the California Standardized Test (CST) in language arts is 28%; in general mathematics, just 14%. We are calling on our brightest and most driven individuals to join this movement to dramatically improve student outcomes.
This is a crucial time in the history of the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD). As OUSD continues to strive for "high-quality instruction that results in student learning in every classroom"** and develops innovative school models to shape a new generation of schools and leaders in Oakland, the skills, background, and innovation of driven, outstanding new teachers are needed. Without committed teachers in the classroom student achievement will continue to decrease. We want strong, determined minds to make a commitment to success.
In the fall of 2009, over 60 first-year Oakland Teaching Fellows entered the classrooms where they were most needed. This year's cohort joined over 200 2005-2008 Fellows, who are already making a difference and significantly impacting student achievement across Oakland. Fellows in the 2010 cohort will also teach in critical shortage area subjects including math, science, computer technology, special education, Spanish, bilingual education (Spanish), and physical education in the District's most challenged schools.
Become part of this pivotal moment in the Oakland Unified School District. Apply now.
*Center for Public Education website, 2009
**OUSD Mission Statement
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