Teach at OUSD

In a student teaching program, you learn how to teach as a student teacher while earning a Preliminary credential before becoming a full time teacher of record.

To earn your credential as a Student Teacher, you will need to:

1. Pass the CBEST or Basic Skills Requirement
2. Pass the CSET or Subject Matter Competency
3. Pass the US Constitution Test (or equivalent coursework). Note: if you graduated from a CSU, you have already met this requirement through coursework. 
4. Completion of CPR certification
5. Student Teaching (Unpaid)
6. Completion of Full or Part Time coursework before becoming a teacher.

Talk to a member of our team for partnering credential programs for student teaching programs.

In the Oakland Teacher Residency, you apprentice for a full year with a mentor teacher while working toward a Preliminary credential. 

During this time, you earn a stipend in exchange for committing to work for the district for four years following the teaching residency year. You also may have access to substantial housing support through our partner TRIO.

To become a resident, you will need to: 

1. Apply to and be accepted into a residency partner credential program
2. Meet the Basic Skills Requirement with a BA from an accredited university 
3. Pass the CSET or Subject Matter Competency (in some cases during your residency year). The Subject Matter Competency requirement can also be met with a degree major or coursework, or a combination of the above. 
4. Pass the US Constitution Test (or equivalent coursework). Note: if you graduated from a CSU, you have already met the requirement through coursework. 
5. Earn CPR certification
6. Be accepted into a partnering credential program, and complete coursework, including any applicable additional state assessments (edTPA, calTPA, RICA) while in the residency

Our residency partners are:

• UC Berkeley
• CSU-East Bay
• Cal State Teach
• Alder GSE

IIn an Intern Teacher program, you simultaneously teach while you are in school earning your teaching credential. You work and are paid as the teacher of record.

After your intern program, you earn a Preliminary credential in the subject you are teaching.

Internship programs are usually 1-2 years.

To earn your credential as an Intern Teacher, you will need to:

1. Apply to and be accepted into an OUSD approved intern partner & complete all pre-service requirements (usually a semester)
2. Pass the CBEST or Basic Skills Requirement
3. Pass the CSET or Subject Matter Competency
4. Pass the US Constitution Test (or equivalent coursework). Note: if you graduated from a CSU, you have already met the requirement through coursework.
5. Earn CPR certification
6. In order to earn a Preliminary credential while you are a teaching intern, you must complete coursework, including any applicable additional state assessments (edTPA, calTPA, RICA)

Note: if you have previous teaching experience, you may qualify for the early completion intern option, which involves more testing and less coursework.

In an Emergency Permit to Intern Credential Route,  you teach with an emergency permit. The permit is good for the duration of the academic year, during which time you must 1) pass the required exams to earn an intern teaching license (CBEST/CSET), and 2) begin an intern credential program (see the intern route above for next steps).

This route is time-bound. If you do not make progress toward an intern credential in the necessary timeframe, you are in danger of losing your position, as you will be working with a temporary, at-will contract.

You will need to: 

1. Submit transcripts for subject matter competency in the subject you hope to teach (at least 18 semester units). One way to consider this is to think about your Bachelor’s or Master’s concentrations, which is what the Commission on Teacher Credentialing looks at to determine your eligibility. (Note: Order official transcripts as soon as you consider teaching with an emergency permit as it can take some time and delay onboarding.)
2. Usually, emergency permits are only granted late in the hiring season for emergency hiring, as typically principals and hiring committees seek experienced educators with credentials. 
3. While you have an emergency permit, you must prepare for & pass the following exams, if you haven’t yet:
   • CBEST or Basic Skills Requirement (you must have sealed proof of passage if you are using SAT/ACT scores - order these as soon as you consider it as it can take some time and delay onboarding)
   • CSET or Subject Matter Competency (this is usually decided upon when you know what you want to teach (e.g. Math CSET for Math, Science/Bio for Biology, Multiple Subjects for Elementary, etc.)

Once you become a teacher with an emergency permit, please see the Teaching Internship path for moving toward an intern credential. 

The Oakland Teacher Residency is a one-year paid immersive experience to apprentice with an excellent mentor teacher, while earning a credential to teach Science, Math, Bilingual Multiple Subjects, or Special Education. If you are interested, please sign up for an information session below and visit our website. Application window closes April 30, 2025. 

Sign Up for a Monthly Information Session

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This program supports OUSD staff in classified positions who wish to earn a credential. For more information, email our Retention team.

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This program supports the development of educators of Latino/a/x heritage who wish to pursue a teaching credential. For more information, please email Raquel Jimenez, Director of Latino Student Achievement.

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The Golden State Teacher Grant

The Golden State Teacher Grant (GSTG) Program awards up to $20,000 to students currently enrolled in a professional preparation program approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and working towards earning their preliminary teaching or pupil personnel services credential.

Learn More about the GSTG Program

TEACH Grant

A Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant is a grant for students who must agree to complete a teaching service obligation as a condition for receiving the grant.

Learn More about TEACH Grants