NTI offers first and second year teachers professional development sessions, informational sessions, planning time, and spaces to connect with your new colleagues. Attendance at the New Teacher Institute is required for all teachers who are new to teaching. Attendance is strongly encouraged for experienced Elementary teachers who are new to OUSD or returning Elementary teachers who are entering their second year in the classroom. Secondary teachers with two or more years of experience are encouraged to attend the Secondary Standards and Equity Institute that is happening at the same time as New Teacher Institute.
Step 1: Register for the Event
Click on the purple "Register" button under ’Register to Attend’. This will take you through the initial step of registering for the event.
Use your OUSD email to register for this event if you have one. If you do not have an OUSD email yet, you can register using your personal email.
It is recommended to use the single-sign on option when registering, rather than creating a new password for the Sched website.
Step 2: Build Your PD Schedule Our New Teacher Institute will offer sessions on creating strong classroom culture, learning your content and curriculum, credentialing, and more. Here is guidance on how to build your PD schedule throughout the week:
July 28-29: In the morning, choose between the two sessions on Creating Strong Classroom Culture (note: only those who have completed Creating Strong Classroom Culture 101 can participate in the session on Setting and Holding Boundaries). Then, in the afternoon, build your own schedule from the options available (conference style).
July 30-Aug 1: These are day-long trainings on content, curriculum, and planning. Please choose the options aligned with your teaching assignment.
See the NTI Logistics tab for all other important information regarding locations, times, compensation, parking, public transportation, and more.
We’re looking forward to celebrating and supporting your journey in OUSD this year!
We will kick off our New Teacher Institute with a warm welcome! We will ground our work in OUSD's Mission, Vision, and Values and begin to build community and connection.
Lizzie brings over 20 years of combined teaching and coaching experience to her role as Lead Mentor with New Teacher Support and Development, primarily at the secondary level. During her six years as an instructional coach at Claremont Middle School, she developed an intensive support... Read More →
This series will help you plan for a learning-supportive classroom culture from day one. Teachers will begin their learning at New Teacher Institute with the opportunity to continue the series early in the Fall semester. In this session, teachers will… - Become familiar with OUSD's Classroom Culture Guide. - Understand the importance and impact of positive reinforcement on classroom culture. - Begin a teaching plan for expected classroom systems and routines.
Hailing from Da 'Field, Garfield Elementary School to be exact, and formerly known as Grandmaster Tech., Abdul-Haqq joined the New Teacher Support & Development Team in the summer of 2021. Considered an "Assertive Logistician (ISTJ-A)", he's also a son, brother, husband and father... Read More →
Sarah Altschul is a Lead Mentor on OUSD's New Teacher Support and Development Team. Sarah comes to the role with over twenty years of experience in the field of teaching secondary English Language Arts, and coaching humanities teachers in OUSD and through her work at Facing History... Read More →
The Parent Teacher Home Visit (PTHV) model is a voluntary home visit practice that helps teachers and parents work together for student success. The PTHV model is a research based family engagement practice that builds the cultural capacity of the teachers, families and students involved, by breaking down implicit bias and cultivating authentic relationships, communication, and academic partnership.
Family & Community Engagement Specialist, Office of Equity
My name is Sara Nuno-Villa and my role in OUSD is Family Community Engagment Specialist. I support a team of 5 District Family Engagement Specialist who work within our network of school schools to strengthen family engagement practices linked to learning. We are part of the Office... Read More →
District Family Engagement Specialist, Office of Equity
I am a parent of three boys and grandparent to an 11-year-old girl. Born and raised in Durango, Mexico, I attended elementary, middle school, and part of high school there as well. Living in Oakland since 1990, I arrived with a vision in mind, to continue my education and grow as... Read More →
Teachers in this session will be oriented to critical features of the Aeries gradebook such as creating a gradebook, selecting gradebook settings, identifying category weights, syncing to google classroom and more.
TSA for Equitable Grading Practices, High School Linked Learning Office
Asha Nidumolu (she/her) is a former high school Ethnic Studies and ELA teacher currently working as the Teacher on Special Assignment for Equitable Grading. She supports school leaders and teachers across the High School Network to adopt equitable assessment and feedback practices... Read More →
Students become intrinsically motivated to contribute productively to a community they feel invested in, and where they know they matter. The Caring School Community program is designed to build that community through thoughtfully designed daily Morning and Closing Circles and weekly Class Meetings, intentional integration across the school day, and throughout the schoolwide community. CSC promotes positive behavior through the direct teaching of responsibility, empathy, and cooperation, creating settings where students feel heard, known, and cared for. This session will introduce you to the design, the materials and underlying philosophy of this program and prepare you to start the school year focusing on relationships and community.
Is it just a pizza party? You will have the opportunity to learn how to build strong, positive relationships with students using classroom rewards, systems and strategies!
Middle Schools Network Partner, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
Soo Jin Kim is the MTSS network partner for Middle Schools in OUSD. She's a former secondary administrator, coach and teacher, and loves working with new educators! She believes that the foundation of any classroom is the relationship between the adult and the students by creating... Read More →
Visual and performing arts instructors are amongst the few teachers who deal with all learners (mainstream, SPED , and ELLs), whether they choose our classes or not. Attendees will walk away from this workshop with a plan for how to forster teamwork, collaboration, and create a safe space to teach all learners, and establish a positive classroom culture. This session, will be led by performing arts instructor, and secondary VAPA coordinator, Kehinde Salter.
Mrs. Kehinde Salter is a classically trained vocalist, dancer, actress, and theater director. She has served as a performing arts educator for the past 26 years, and has performed professionally for over 30, utilizing the performing arts as a means to educate students and audiences... Read More →
Discover practical technology tools that empower you to create inclusive learning environments for all students, including those with disabilities and English Language Learners. Learn how to leverage these tools to enhance engagement, understanding, and equitable access in your classroom.
Are you a teacher who has not yet enrolled in a credential program? We will dig into the credential journey, from emergency permit to holding a Clear credential. You will understand what your responsibilties are during the school year so you can advance to the next stage of credentialing. We will also be sharing the resources of support that OUSD has available to you.
Victoria Folks is a Manager of New Teacher Support & Development in OUSD. She brings over 20 years of experience to her work in supporting teachers and instructional leaders. In 2006, Victoria became one of the founding members of the Reach Institute for School Leadership, a nonprofit... Read More →
Peggy Dove is a Manager on the New Teacher Support and Development Team who once herself was an Intern Teacher and now has spent 20+ years in education, including 15+ years of supporting early career teachers through various stages in the CA credentialing process. Peggy enjoys singing and hiking, though not necessarily at the same time (but sometimes)!
Peggy Dove is a Manager on the Oakland Unified School District New Teacher Support and Development Team who once herself was an Intern Teacher and now has spent over 20 years in education, including 15 years of supporting early career teachers through various stages in the CA credentialing... Read More →
Kyle is the RJ Program Manager for OUSD and supports the district-wide implementation of restorative justice practices to build community and respond to harm.
This course is designed to familiarize new teachers with the OUSD MTSS (Multi Tiered Systems of Support) Framework and its implications for classroom practice. Multi Tiered Systems of Support include all of the academic, behavioral, and social emotional/mental health supports we put into place to support the whole child. Participants will have time to explore the framework and think through tiered interventions for their classrooms.
Network Partner, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
Kathy is the Network Partner, MTSS for Elementary Network 4. She has been a teacher, principal, and coach for teacher leaders, Assistant Principals, and Principals. In her role, she has been committed to helping others create equitable conditions for student success centered in supporting... Read More →
High School Network Partner, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
Aj Goines is the High School MTSS Network Partner. While having taught at every level, the bulk of his teaching was in Secondary. his Administrative Experience has been primarily at the Secondary Level. Aj now supports the work of the High School teams that support student success... Read More →
Ever feel like you want to talk less in the classroom or that you wish students would do more of the cognitive work? In this workshop we’ll explore student talk as a means of achieving these and other aims. Together, we’ll learn: What student talk is and isn’t What student talk does for you in the classroom A simple, flexible protocol that you can use on day 1 (and through day 180)
Through authentic modeling and meaning making, you will leave this workshop confident in how to start the year with students at the helm of their own learning.
Sarah Altschul is a Lead Mentor on OUSD's New Teacher Support and Development Team. Sarah comes to the role with over twenty years of experience in the field of teaching secondary English Language Arts, and coaching humanities teachers in OUSD and through her work at Facing History... Read More →
Feroze Munshi is a Lead Coach on the New Teacher Support & Development Team. An educator for 20 years, Feroze has been a high school teacher, curriculum consultant, resident teacher supervisor, program director, and researcher. Most of that time has been spent teaching STEAM subjects... Read More →
Start the school year with confidence with this intro to all of the essential tech tools you'll need as a TK-5 teacher. Get yourself up to speed so that you can focus on your students from day one instead of figuring out technology on the fly! You'll gain:
- A clear roadmap to finding and using your curricular and assessment materials - Quick mastery of essential daily online tasks (taking attendance, submitting your absences, communicating with families) - Direct connections to tech support resources when you need help - Exclusive access to a comprehensive online resource guide you can reference all year - Time-saving tech shortcuts that experienced teachers wish they'd known from the start
Bonus: Workshop participants receive personalized tech support throughout their first year of teaching.
Coordinator of Instructional Technology, Academics
I'm Kelleth Chinn, the OUSD Coordinator of Instructional Technology. I'm a former OUSD teacher, and current OUSD parent. I have vivid memories of being a first year teacher, and a long list of things I wish I had known when I started! My goal is to help you avoid some of the stress... Read More →
Teaching is an exciting, interesting, and demanding job. We advocate for our students, but who advocates for us? In this session, you will learn about the importance of being a part of YOUR union, OEA. We will discuss our contract, how OEA works, the support, benefits, and communication you can expect, and why you should be a part of YOUR UNION.
OEA 1st VP and Elementary Teacher, Oakland Education Association
I am a 20 year veteran teacher in OUSD. I have taught a bit of middle school but mostly elementary. I became involved in OEA many years ago as a Site Rep and have continued to be involved in various aspects of building and running OUR union. My favorite part of teaching is watching... Read More →
High School Newcomer History Teacher, Oakland Education Association
Hi! I’m Susan Keen, she/hers, and I’ve been teaching for 15 years - 9 at Oakland International High School where our focus and attention is serving our newcomer students - students from 20+ language backgrounds, often with limited or interrupted educations. In OEA, I’ve been... Read More →
The majority of time spent in the most effective PK and TK classrooms is spent in play. This has led to the common misconception that these classrooms are just daycare centers in which very little learning occurs. This is contrary to the mountain of research that indicates that three- and four-year-olds learn most effectively through play. Not all play is created equal, so this learning session will take a dive into why play is so powerful and how to structure it to maximize children's growth.
Three- and four-year-olds act and think very differently from children in kindergarten, yet we often have the same expectations and treat them similarly to our kindergarten-aged children. In this learning session, we will explore what we can expect from three- and four-year-olds in our PK and TK classrooms as well as touch on the adult mindsets necessary to maximize their growth.
LGBTQ students are an integral part of our community, yet surprisingly few know about the programs and OUSD & State policies designed to uplift, affirm and support them and their families. In addition, LGBTQ staff members entering a new district may be unaware of the protections that support their full inclusion at OUSD school sites. Come to learn basic terms & definitions, OUSD specifics stats, OUSD policies & state laws, and best practices for inclusive classrooms.
Ilsa Bertolini is the Coordinator of Health Education, and oversees the Healthy Oakland Kids & Teens programming, which includes creating safe and supportive enviornments for LGBTQ students, staff, and families. Ilsa has been working in OUSD for 12 years, on the Health and Wellness... Read More →
More than anything, new teachers ask for more time to plan! This drop-in space is designed for teachers to take their learning from the morning sessions to work on your classroom culture plan. Teachers can work independently or with peers.
New teacher professional development is offered throughout the school year and is required for all 1st year teachers (i.e. those who are entering their first year as a lead classroom teacher). New teachers will be release one day per month to attend PD. In this workshop, we will review the new teacher PD schedule, add your PD dates to your calendar, and show you how to book your substitute requests for each PD release day.
With a background in public policy, Lisa taught high school English at Skyline High School, where she served as a classroom teacher, a Teacher on Special Assignment and a member of the school's leadership team. Following her time at Skyline, Lisa joined OUSD's Educator Effectiveness... Read More →
The Parent Teacher Home Visit (PTHV) model is a voluntary home visit practice that helps teachers and parents work together for student success. The PTHV model is a research based family engagement practice that builds the cultural capacity of the teachers, families and students involved, by breaking down implicit bias and cultivating authentic relationships, communication, and academic partnership.
Family & Community Engagement Specialist, Office of Equity
My name is Sara Nuno-Villa and my role in OUSD is Family Community Engagment Specialist. I support a team of 5 District Family Engagement Specialist who work within our network of school schools to strengthen family engagement practices linked to learning. We are part of the Office... Read More →
District Family Engagement Specialist, Office of Equity
I am a parent of three boys and grandparent to an 11-year-old girl. Born and raised in Durango, Mexico, I attended elementary, middle school, and part of high school there as well. Living in Oakland since 1990, I arrived with a vision in mind, to continue my education and grow as... Read More →
In this session, new teachers will gain increased understanding of why cell phone usage often becomes problematic in the secondary classroom and ways of preventing and addressing these issues. Rather than framing cell phone usage as purely a “behavioral issue,” we will explore how developing positive relationships and engaging lessons can have a direct impact. We will also discuss how to manage cell phone use in your classroom in ways that align with and adapt to your school’s overall approach and culture around cell phones.
Lizzie brings over 20 years of combined teaching and coaching experience to her role as Lead Mentor with New Teacher Support and Development, primarily at the secondary level. During her six years as an instructional coach at Claremont Middle School, she developed an intensive support... Read More →
Students become intrinsically motivated to contribute productively to a community they feel invested in, and where they know they matter. The Caring School Community program is designed to build that community through thoughtfully designed daily Morning and Closing Circles and weekly Class Meetings, intentional integration across the school day, and throughout the schoolwide community. CSC promotes positive behavior through the direct teaching of responsibility, empathy, and cooperation, creating settings where students feel heard, known, and cared for. This session will introduce you to the design, the materials and underlying philosophy of this program and prepare you to start the school year focusing on relationships and community.
The teaching profession requires us to to regularly override our own needs in order to provide for others. Many of those reasons are systemic, but as educators we sometimes lose our sense of agency in caring for ourselves. Rather than becoming a victim or martyr to an underresourced system, we can shift the paradigm and build our Sustainability Toolkit while in community. Intentionally scheduled for the end of the day, this professional development session will support you in integrating a full days' worth of sessions through somatic and mindful practices. You will build your skills around self care, community care, and the practice of balancing work and life. Expect to come away with practical strategies and mindsets to support your wellbeing this school year and sustain it beyond.
Bong is a dynamic musical and visual artist whose presence is like medicine to all who witness them. After serving Bay Area youth and schools as an art teacher for 8 years, Bong now works with The Teaching Well by helping adults deeply and bravely explore personal wellness and healing... Read More →
Discover practical technology tools that empower you to create inclusive learning environments for all students, including those with disabilities and English Language Learners. Learn how to leverage these tools to enhance engagement, understanding, and equitable access in your classroom.
Our identities shape how we teach and how students learn. This session offers new teachers an entry point into Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT), focusing on self-awareness as the foundation for equity-driven practice. Through reflection and the Culture Tree activity, participants will begin to explore how their own cultural lenses impact relationships, instruction, and classroom climate—planting the seeds for a deeper CRT journey ahead.
Dr. Macalino, a proud Oakland native, has had a full-circle journey at Skyline High School (SHS), graduating in 2000 and later serving as an English teacher, assistant principal, and co-principal. She holds a master’s degree in education with a focus on the Filipinx-American curriculum... Read More →
Are you a teacher who has not yet enrolled in a credential program? We will dig into the credential journey, from emergency permit to holding a Clear credential. You will understand what your responsibilties are during the school year so you can advance to the next stage of credentialing. We will also be sharing the resources of support that OUSD has available to you.
Victoria Folks is a Manager of New Teacher Support & Development in OUSD. She brings over 20 years of experience to her work in supporting teachers and instructional leaders. In 2006, Victoria became one of the founding members of the Reach Institute for School Leadership, a nonprofit... Read More →
Teachers in this session will engage critically with their current or future classroom grading systems by: 1) Discussing the power of teacher grading choices and how they effect student outcomes 2) Distinguishing between grading for completion and grading for mastery of skills.
Sarah Altschul is a Lead Mentor on OUSD's New Teacher Support and Development Team. Sarah comes to the role with over twenty years of experience in the field of teaching secondary English Language Arts, and coaching humanities teachers in OUSD and through her work at Facing History... Read More →
TSA for Equitable Grading Practices, High School Linked Learning Office
Asha Nidumolu (she/her) is a former high school Ethnic Studies and ELA teacher currently working as the Teacher on Special Assignment for Equitable Grading. She supports school leaders and teachers across the High School Network to adopt equitable assessment and feedback practices... Read More →
Okay, so you have your preliminary teaching credential...now what? What is this clear credential? How do you get it? You have questions, we have answers! We'll dive into what the Induction Program will be like (hint...you'll get to work with a coach!) and you'll leave feeling confident embarking on this next step in your credentialing journey.
Peggy Dove is a Manager on the Oakland Unified School District New Teacher Support and Development Team who once herself was an Intern Teacher and now has spent over 20 years in education, including 15 years of supporting early career teachers through various stages in the CA credentialing... Read More →
Hey new teachers! Would you like to hear from some colleagues who were in your position 3-5 years ago? Come listen and learn from our panel of not-so-new-but-still-kinda-new teachers as they share the triumphs, challenges, and hilarities of their first two years in OUSD. There will be time for Q&A as well.
Feroze Munshi is a Lead Coach on the New Teacher Support & Development Team. An educator for 20 years, Feroze has been a high school teacher, curriculum consultant, resident teacher supervisor, program director, and researcher. Most of that time has been spent teaching STEAM subjects... Read More →
Dave brings 22 years of experience teaching mathematics,coaching math teachers, and leading mathematics teams inhigh schools in the East Bay. Dave was a founder at OaklandUnity High School in 2003, taught and coached with EnvisionSchools, trained as a transformational instructional... Read More →
New teacher professional development is offered throughout the school year and is required for all 1st year teachers (i.e. those who are entering their first year as a lead classroom teacher). New teachers will be release one day per month to attend PD. In this workshop, we will review the new teacher PD schedule, add your PD dates to your calendar, and show you how to book your substitute requests for each PD release day.
With a background in public policy, Lisa taught high school English at Skyline High School, where she served as a classroom teacher, a Teacher on Special Assignment and a member of the school's leadership team. Following her time at Skyline, Lisa joined OUSD's Educator Effectiveness... Read More →
In a school setting, PBIS is an evidence-based practice for reinforcing students' good behavior. PBIS is not a one-size-fits-all system, but an approach that helps reduce problematic behavior and build relationships between students and teachers. Participants will become familiar with PBIS and will learn strategies to focus on positive reinforcement and prevent undesirable behaviors instead of relying on punishing students who act out. Research shows that this approach helps improve social, emotional, and academic outcomes for all students, including students with disabilities and students from underrepresented groups.
Network Partner, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
Kathy is the Network Partner, MTSS for Elementary Network 4. She has been a teacher, principal, and coach for teacher leaders, Assistant Principals, and Principals. In her role, she has been committed to helping others create equitable conditions for student success centered in supporting... Read More →
Network 2 Partner, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
Kathleen Arnold is a network MTSS partner in OUSD. She is a long term OUSD educator with 20 years of experience in OUSD. She began her career in OUSD as a dual language teacher, moved on to principal, network superintendent and now is the network 2 MTSS partner. She loves working... Read More →
Start the school year with confidence with this intro to all of the essential tech tools you'll need as a TK-5 teacher. Get yourself up to speed so that you can focus on your students from day one instead of figuring out technology on the fly! You'll gain:
- A clear roadmap to finding and using your curricular and assessment materials - Quick mastery of essential daily online tasks (taking attendance, submitting your absences, communicating with families) - Direct connections to tech support resources when you need help - Exclusive access to a comprehensive online resource guide you can reference all year - Time-saving tech shortcuts that experienced teachers wish they'd known from the start
Bonus: Workshop participants receive personalized tech support throughout their first year of teaching.
Coordinator of Instructional Technology, Academics
I'm Kelleth Chinn, the OUSD Coordinator of Instructional Technology. I'm a former OUSD teacher, and current OUSD parent. I have vivid memories of being a first year teacher, and a long list of things I wish I had known when I started! My goal is to help you avoid some of the stress... Read More →
Teaching is an exciting, interesting, and demanding job. We advocate for our students, but who advocates for us? In this session, you will learn about the importance of being a part of YOUR union, OEA. We will discuss our contract, how OEA works, the support, benefits, and communication you can expect, and why you should be a part of YOUR UNION.
OEA 1st VP and Elementary Teacher, Oakland Education Association
I am a 20 year veteran teacher in OUSD. I have taught a bit of middle school but mostly elementary. I became involved in OEA many years ago as a Site Rep and have continued to be involved in various aspects of building and running OUR union. My favorite part of teaching is watching... Read More →
High School Newcomer History Teacher, Oakland Education Association
Hi! I’m Susan Keen, she/hers, and I’ve been teaching for 15 years - 9 at Oakland International High School where our focus and attention is serving our newcomer students - students from 20+ language backgrounds, often with limited or interrupted educations. In OEA, I’ve been... Read More →
Three- and four-year-olds act and think very differently from children in kindergarten, yet we often have the same expectations and treat them similarly to our kindergarten-aged children. In this learning session, we will explore what we can expect from three- and four-year-olds in our PK and TK classrooms as well as touch on the adult mindsets necessary to maximize their growth.
More than anything, new teachers ask for more time to plan! This drop-in space is designed for teachers to take their learning from the morning sessions to work on your classroom culture plan. Teachers can work independently or with peers.
