
Classroom Teacher on Special Assignment (12 Months) - Talent Division (2025-26) at Oakland Unified School District
Job Summary
Job Summary
Under the direction and supervision of the site principal or assigned administrator, the Teacher on Special Assignment (TSA) provides instruction, services and support to students within the scope of the designated assignment and works as part of a professional learning team of educators. The TSA will work with classroom teachers through supplemental support, staff development, on-site coaching and mentoring, and effective instructional strategies to improve student achievement. A TSA will spend at least eighty percent (80%) of the time with students or in a teacher support role. The Teacher on Special Assignment, Program Specialist for the Oakland Teacher Residency at Alder GSE is responsible for realizing a vision for equity through the preparation of community transformational teachers who develop the skills to become equitable and reflective practitioners. TSA Program Specialists oversee and execute the Teacher Residency Program for their respective TK-12 organization(s) at Alder which includes engaging in long term strategic planning, managing daily operations, engaging as clinical faculty in course planning, instruction, and fieldwork supervision. Program Specialist TSAs are members of the Alder GSE statewide clinical program and faculty community. Please refer to the Alder GSE Clinical Reflection Guide for the comprehensive competencies of this role.
Requirements / Qualifications
PREREQUISITES [EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE] Required qualifications Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and minimum of three years’ successful teaching experience Five (5) years of experience and success in related roles Hold a valid clear CA credential in English, Science, mathematics, social science, world languages, multiple subjects, or Mild/Moderate Special Education CLAD or BCLAD credential Specific authorization(s) may be required dependent on special assignment Experience in some area(s) of curriculum development maybe required Demonstrated leadership and experience communicating and cooperating with other professionals and providing consultation and in-service education for other professionals and parents Recent and relevant training and experience in testing, assessment, compliance, and/or data analyses Valid California Driver’s License, if applicable Preferred qualifications Master’s or Doctoral level degree preferred, preferably in education or policy fields of study Administrative Credential 7+ years of relevant professional experience, including significant experience leading teams Experience working with or developing teacher retention programs strongly preferred Experience mentoring and/or coaching new or pre-service teachers across multiple content areas (Special Education, English, Social Science, Math, Science and Multiple Subjects)
Requirements / Qualifications
PREREQUISITES [EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE] Required qualifications Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and minimum of three years’ successful teaching experience Five (5) years of experience and success in related roles Hold a valid clear CA credential in English, Science, mathematics, social science, world languages, multiple subjects, or Mild/Moderate Special Education CLAD or BCLAD credential Specific authorization(s) may be required dependent on special assignment Experience in some area(s) of curriculum development maybe required Demonstrated leadership and experience communicating and cooperating with other professionals and providing consultation and in-service education for other professionals and parents Recent and relevant training and experience in testing, assessment, compliance, and/or data analyses Valid California Driver’s License, if applicable Preferred qualifications Master’s or Doctoral level degree preferred, preferably in education or policy fields of study Administrative Credential 7+ years of relevant professional experience, including significant experience leading teams Experience working with or developing teacher retention programs strongly preferred Experience mentoring and/or coaching new or pre-service teachers across multiple content areas (Special Education, English, Social Science, Math, Science and Multiple Subjects)
Comments and Other Information
KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS
Skills
Excellent communication skills and demonstrated experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders
Computer aptitude;
Listening and critical thinking;
Excellent organization, time management and follow-up skills; exceptional ability to prioritize and follow through; demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects concurrently; ability to work independently
Demonstrated effective leadership, time-management, decision making and problem-solving skills; and
Public speaking and presentation skills
Proven leadership skills with exceptional ability to bridge and enhance cooperative working relationships
Knowledge of
Possesses contemporary relevant content and pedagogical content knowledge for the credentials sought by residents in cohort
Deep understanding of the current context of public schooling including the California adopted P-12 content standards, frameworks, and accountability systems
Deep understanding of diversity in society, including diverse abilities, culture, language, ethnicity, and gender orientation
Deep knowledge in curriculum, instruction and adult learning
Belief that education transforms lives and that every student deserves the opportunity to go to college
Passion for graduate schools of education and their communities
Enthusiasm for Alder mission and vision, as well as that of partner organization
Best practices in recruitment, selection, strategic placement, coaching and teacher training techniques, labor relations, negotiation, and personnel information systems (creative/strategic talent sourcing, resume evaluation, candidate assessment and interviewing techniques)
California credentialing process for teachers, school site staff and administrators
Applicable federal, state and local laws and ordinances governing employment including equal opportunity employment and bargaining unit contracts
Maintain knowledge of applicable provisions of applicable federal, state, local and District laws, rules and regulations pertaining to recruitment, sourcing and hiring
Ability to:
Demonstration of effective professional practices in teaching and learning, scholarship, and service.
Supporting highly effective and new teachers
Ability to handle confidential and sensitive issues with diplomacy and even-handedness and ability to work effectively with teammates of all levels
Work in ambiguous, complex, and rapidly changing environments
Demonstrate enthusiasm for the role and required tasks
Exercise good judgment in safeguarding confidential or sensitive information
Comments and Other Information
KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS
Skills
Excellent communication skills and demonstrated experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders
Computer aptitude;
Listening and critical thinking;
Excellent organization, time management and follow-up skills; exceptional ability to prioritize and follow through; demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects concurrently; ability to work independently
Demonstrated effective leadership, time-management, decision making and problem-solving skills; and
Public speaking and presentation skills
Proven leadership skills with exceptional ability to bridge and enhance cooperative working relationships
Knowledge of
Possesses contemporary relevant content and pedagogical content knowledge for the credentials sought by residents in cohort
Deep understanding of the current context of public schooling including the California adopted P-12 content standards, frameworks, and accountability systems
Deep understanding of diversity in society, including diverse abilities, culture, language, ethnicity, and gender orientation
Deep knowledge in curriculum, instruction and adult learning
Belief that education transforms lives and that every student deserves the opportunity to go to college
Passion for graduate schools of education and their communities
Enthusiasm for Alder mission and vision, as well as that of partner organization
Best practices in recruitment, selection, strategic placement, coaching and teacher training techniques, labor relations, negotiation, and personnel information systems (creative/strategic talent sourcing, resume evaluation, candidate assessment and interviewing techniques)
California credentialing process for teachers, school site staff and administrators
Applicable federal, state and local laws and ordinances governing employment including equal opportunity employment and bargaining unit contracts
Maintain knowledge of applicable provisions of applicable federal, state, local and District laws, rules and regulations pertaining to recruitment, sourcing and hiring
Ability to:
Demonstration of effective professional practices in teaching and learning, scholarship, and service.
Supporting highly effective and new teachers
Ability to handle confidential and sensitive issues with diplomacy and even-handedness and ability to work effectively with teammates of all levels
Work in ambiguous, complex, and rapidly changing environments
Demonstrate enthusiasm for the role and required tasks
Exercise good judgment in safeguarding confidential or sensitive information