What is it like to teach in OUSD?

District Overview

The Oakland Unified School District is one of the largest urban school districts in the state of California, with about 39,705 students and 2,600 teachers in Oakland public schools.  OUSD is the second largest employer in Oakland.  As of September 2008, there are 65 elementary schools, 19 middle schools, 18 high schools, and 9 alternative schools.  Over the past three years, OUSD has been the most improved large school district in California based on the Academic Performance Index.

Student diversity in OUSD reflects that of the city as a whole with 38.29% African American students; 32.55% Latino students; 15.69% Asian students; 6.54% Caucasian students; 2.08% Pacific Islander students; and .43% Native American students.  Among OUSD’s 11,219 English Language Learner students, there are over 40 languages represented. Other than English, the most widely spoken primary languages are Spanish (73 percent), Cantonese (10 percent), Vietnamese (4 percent), and Cambodian (2 percent).

Priorities

Oakland City Teacher Corps (OCTC) teachers will teach in some of our highest-need schools throughout the city.  The need for highly-qualified, credentialed teachers in these settings is especially critical. Teachers in these schools must be especially committed to overcoming the challenges that they will face in helping their students achieve significant academic gains and should be dedicated to a long-term commitment to making a difference for Oakland's students. The first year for any teacher in a new setting can be challenging, and Corps Teachers should anticipate an intense effort and long hours – especially at the beginning of each year. 

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 day can usually run from either 8:25 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.  or 7:55 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Beyond the formal school day, Corps teachers can expect to regularly spend time out of class preparing lessons, grading student work, and communicating with parents and guardians. Teachers may also have after-school meetings with school staff, their grade-level or subject team, or students’ family members.

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