Classified to Teacher Program 

In Fall 2017, Oakland Unified was awarded a program grant from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to develop a pathway for classified staff to earn a Bachelor's Degree and/or teaching credential. We were awarded funding to support 40 classified staff annually. Each year, there are rolling openings based on program completion for current staff enrolled. We encourage you to apply if you are interested in teaching one of the following subject / credential areas: Special Education, Science, Math, Bilingual Multiple Subjects, Multiple Subjects, Transitional Kindergarten, or Spanish. We have renewed our grant in 22-23 and can now support 50 classified staff members. 

The Classified-to-Teacher program supports aspiring educators to obtain their teaching credential or their Bachelor's Degree on their way to a teaching credential for Classified Employees (Para-Educator, Instructional Support Specialist, Newcomer Learning Lab Assistant, Early Literacy Tutor, Noon Supervisor, Custodial, etc.), Expanded Learning professionals, and Early Childhood Educators. Each year, there are rolling openings based on program completion for current staff enrolled. We encourage you to apply if you are a classified staff member interested in becoming a credentialed teacher. 

How does it work? Each year participants are enrolled, they receive test licensure support, including tutoring and test fees, participate in quarterly meetings with the cohort, receive employment counseling from Talent-HR representatives, and they receive tuition support of up to $4,800 annually. 

What is my commitment? For each year that you participate in the program, you commit to teaching in Oakland Unified for one year. 

What are the requirements of the program? You must be employed as a current OUSD classified staff member, have a minimum of an AA degree or 60 undergraduate transfer units, have a cumulative GPA of 2.67 or higher, two recommendation email contacts, (one who is a supervisor), and the completed application. If accepted, candidates must sign an agreement outlining the terms of participation, and will be invited to attend quarterly meetings. (If you are missing the required GPA, please include a statement to help us understand how you will change habits/practices as a student when you return to school, and why your GPA was low). 

How do I apply? Please complete the application linked below. You'll be asked to provide the names and emails of two references who can endorse your participation in the program when we contact them. One must be a direct supervisor/school administrator. 

C2T Application

Questions? Email retention@ousd.org

Frequently Asked Questions: 

What is the C2T program?

The C2T program supports current OUSD Classified employees with a minimum of an AA degree or 60 undergraduate transfer units, have a cumulative GPA of 2.67 or higher, to pursue a teaching credential. We provide partial tuition support, test prep support, reimbursement of test fees and mentorship from an OUSD teacher leader. The program is up to 5 years in length depending on the status of the candidate at the start of the program and remaining grant funding. Candidates are required to teach one year in OUSD for each year they receive financial assistance in the program. Space is limited to 50 participants annually from 2017-18 through the life of the grant (through June 2026). 

Why was the C2T program created?

C2T is funded through a CTC (CA Commission on Teacher Credentialing) grant to address the teacher shortage and to increase teacher retention across districts in California. The program targets applicants with prior experience in a classified position who show promise of becoming a strong classroom teacher. We believe in the value and experience of OUSD's Classified Staff and support the development of Oakland's teaching community.  

 How do I apply to the C2T program?

Complete an electronic application

For questions about the program, please email retention@ousd.org