Classroom Teacher on Special Assignment (12 Months) - Talent Division (2025-26)

JOB DESCRIPTION

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.

These duties are intended only as examples of the various types of essential  job duties to be performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is a similar, related, or logical assignment to the position.

Residency Management with a Whole Adult Approach

• Under supervision of the assigned LEA supervisor, leads the overall vision, management, and execution of the Alder arm of the residency, serves as a key collaborator and partner with Alder GSE, guides adult and resident development, and ensures high touch resident support 
• Supervise, manage, and support Residents through the Residency year
• Design and facilitate group instruction for all Residents each week based on best practices in adult learning and teacher education, working very closely with their assigned Alder GSE Regional Managing Clinical Coordinator and other Alder colleagues to align training to meet the needs of the Residents in the region.
• Lead site visits that foster Resident and Mentor growth
• Work with the LEA supervisor, Lead Mentor, Program Supervisors, and departments in the Region to successfully support Residents and Mentors
• Design and facilitate group instruction for all Mentors each month and provide on-going coaching and support 
• Oversees and monitors resident progress around course requirements, degree and credential requirements (including but not limited to testing), and works collaboratively Alder GSE Student Services to ensure residents are supported and on track for graduation

Recruitment, Development, and Retention with a Whole Adult Approach

• Collaborate with the Alder team and LEA partner to recruit, select, and match an excellent resident/mentor cohort each year, case manage and support residents and mentors, and align approaches to program management
• Co-plan and run summer Mentor-Resident Orientation and other training activities for Mentors and Residents
• Support and collaborate with principals who work with Residents

Engagement, Collaboration, and Development as Alder GSE Faculty / OUSD Team Member

• Collaboratively participate in weekly Residency team meetings, Leadership Retreats, all Resident selection and assessment and other events as part of the Clinical Faculty Team (e.g., weekly clinical faculty meetings)
• Engage in collaborative, cross-regional work with a spirit of innovation and inquiry, helping to write the next chapter in equity-grounded teacher education. 
• Participate in relevant GSE activities. For example, the Program Specialist will join at least one retreat with other Alder Coordinators, join Coordinator rounds and participate in various professional development opportunities.
• Commitment to and facility with data and learning through continuing improvement cycles to inform own practice and improving the program Alder-wide
• Demonstrate knowledge of, and support, regional mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior
• Promote the growth of the residency as an collaborative partner of Alder Graduate School of Education
• Travel as necessary to school sites to build strong community-based relationships
• Participate in OUSD Recruitment and Retention team meetings and events
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned

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)

• 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

Environment: Office and school site environments; fast-paced work; frequently changing environment. Respond to emergency situations outside of regular business hours and travel to various school sites and district offices as needed.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to: Hear and speak to exchange information in person and make presentations; sitting or standing for extended periods of time; crouch and/or crawl; use hands and reach with hands and arms; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard; may involve physical exertion pertaining to security work; have specific vision abilities to monitor various activities with children and read documents, and view computer monitors;, such as: close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, climb or balance; and to stoop and/or kneel.

The Oakland Unified School District does not discriminate in any program, activity, or in employment on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, gender, sex, or sexual orientation.