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 →
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.
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 →
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 →
In this session teachers will gain increased understaning of biases and challenges that African American students face in school, and explore culturally responsive strategies to build foundational relationships, and engage African American students and families in the classroom.
Jerome Gourdine, husband to Crystal and father of three incredible sons, Angus, Asa, and Alijah has served the Oakland Unified School District for more than 28 years, as a teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, Program Manager for AAMA and now Director of Targeted Strategies Office... Read More →
Create a classroom where every student belongs. This workshop equips educators with the FLIP framework to intentionally foster a sense of connection and inclusion. Explore essential concepts of Disability Justice and practical allyship to build a truly supportive and empowering learning environment for all learners.
Coordinator of Disability Access, Special Education
With 25+ years of experience in special education (9 in OUSD), Aruna is now Disability Access Coordinator. She is a mom of 2 teenage boys and committed to advancing access & belongng for all students.
OUSD is a linguistically rich district with almost 35% (11,856 students) of our students across the district designated as English language learners (ELLs). As a district, we believe our ELLs can achieve at high levels with the right supports. We believe our ELLs bring tremendous assets to their learning and to that of their community. Finally, we believe all educators are responsible for ELLs; therefore, all teachers are language teachers. This is an introductory session to review different ways you can get to know your ELLs so you can connect with and teach them more effectively in your classes.
Abel has been teaching in Oakland since 2014. Prior to that, he taught in DLI programs in Spain as well. In Oakland, Abel has mostly taught bilingual education and served English Language Learners learn content and language. Abel is GLAD trained both in Spanish and English and currently... Read More →
Jessica has been teaching in Oakland since 2007. She is a GLAD Certified Agency Trainer and was honored as OUSD and Alameda Teacher of the Year in 2021 and a Finalist for CA Teacher of Year 2022. She supports elementary newcomer students across Oakland, working closely with a team... 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 →
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 →
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 →
Launch your OUSD teaching career with confidence! This workshop provides a streamlined introduction to the key technology platforms you'll use daily as a 6-12 educator. Master these tools before the semester begins so you can engage your students effectively from day one. You'll walk away with:
- A roadmap of how to find your subject-specific resources - Efficient classroom management of student devices - How to best use OUSD’s Google Workspace apps to make teaching and grading easier - How to access to tech troubleshooting resources - A comprehensive digital handbook with step-by-step guides for all district platforms
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 →
By virtue of creating caring and safe classrooms for students, teachers often learn about some of the traumatic experiences of their students. In this session, we will focus on helping teachers navigate this with their students in ways that help teachers with this secondary trauma, and understand how their role and boundaries can be helpful to their students. Teachers will practice using a trauma-responsive framework for supporting their students' social-emotional and behavioral development with brief case examples and vignettes.
Dr. Gustman (he/they) is a school and clinical psychologist working as the Behavioral Health Program Manager for the Middle School Network. His primary areas of practice are related to trauma-focused interventions in the schools and the assessment of student risk. They have worked... 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.
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 →
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 →
In this sessions teachers will gain increased culturally literacy for engaging Latino students and families by exploring three key questions: How is Latino home culture different from U.S. school culture? How can I learn more about my Latino students and families to be more culturally responsive in my teaching? How can I leverage the cultural and linguistic assets that students bring to school?
Eve is a 2nd generation Chicana raised in Berkeley and has worked in OUSD for over 12 years and in education for 20 years. Having served in different capacities in OUSD primarily in violence prevention and with youth who have been systems impacted and most “at promise.” Eve serves... Read More →
Raul is a first generation Oakland native of Mexican decent and a proud OUSD alumni. He is currently one of two Latino Student Achievement Speciliasts within the Office of Equity in hopes of supporting Latino students and families thrive and achieve within the school district and... Read More →
Create a classroom where every student belongs. This workshop equips educators with the FLIP framework to intentionally foster a sense of connection and inclusion. Explore essential concepts of Disability Justice and practical allyship to build a truly supportive and empowering learning environment for all learners.
Coordinator of Disability Access, Special Education
With 25+ years of experience in special education (9 in OUSD), Aruna is now Disability Access Coordinator. She is a mom of 2 teenage boys and committed to advancing access & belongng for all students.
OUSD is a linguistically rich district with almost 35% (11,856 students) of our students across the district designated as English language learners (ELLs). As a district, we believe our ELLs can achieve at high levels with the right supports. We believe our ELLs bring tremendous assets to their learning and to that of their community. Finally, we believe all educators are responsible for ELLs; therefore, all teachers are language teachers. This is an introductory session to review different ways you can get to know your ELLs so you can connect with and teach them more effectively in your classes.
Abel has been teaching in Oakland since 2014. Prior to that, he taught in DLI programs in Spain as well. In Oakland, Abel has mostly taught bilingual education and served English Language Learners learn content and language. Abel is GLAD trained both in Spanish and English and currently... Read More →
Jessica has been teaching in Oakland since 2007. She is a GLAD Certified Agency Trainer and was honored as OUSD and Alameda Teacher of the Year in 2021 and a Finalist for CA Teacher of Year 2022. She supports elementary newcomer students across Oakland, working closely with a team... 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 →
In this session, teachers will understand the scope and impact of sex and labor trafficking in Oakland which affects students groomed as young as 11 years old. Teachers will learn to identify red flags, strategies commonly used by traffickers, and student risk and protective factors. We will introduce the OUSD Human Trafficking School Safety Protocol (HTSSP) and practice skills to identify and engage students in a trauma-informed, culturally responsive manner when we observe red flags or students disclose potential or actual human trafficking. Our goal is to equip OUSD staff with the knowledge to identify red flags in order to prevent further exploitation and connect students with needed resources.
Jodi is a licensed clinical social worker who manages a Human Trafficking (HT) Prevention Education grant. Jodi works in the central office and primarily supports MS and HS by training staff and students and providing guidance to COST when HT concerns arise. Her now-adult children... 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 →
Launch your OUSD teaching career with confidence! This workshop provides a streamlined introduction to the key technology platforms you'll use daily as a 6-12 educator. Master these tools before the semester begins so you can engage your students effectively from day one. You'll walk away with:
- A roadmap of how to find your subject-specific resources - Efficient classroom management of student devices - How to best use OUSD’s Google Workspace apps to make teaching and grading easier - How to access to tech troubleshooting resources - A comprehensive digital handbook with step-by-step guides for all district platforms
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.
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.
OUSD's New Teacher Support & Development Team LOVES our pickleball! Join us for the first Pickleball Playtime of the year after day two of New Teacher Institute! Never played before? No sweat! Coach Khalifah has you covered. Bring a paddle if you can, but extras will be available as well. We promise laughter, exercise, and overall good times! Please RSVP here as capacity is limited.
