The Oakley Union Elementary School District (OUESD) Teacher Residency Program is designed to prepare the next generation of highly qualified educators through a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience. In partnership with Teachers College of San Joaquin (TCSJ), the program offers aspiring teachers the opportunity to co-teach alongside experienced Mentor Teachers while receiving collaborative training on adult learning theory, co-teaching models, and equity in education. Starting in January 2025, residents will gain real-world experience in OUESD classrooms, with ongoing support from mentors and access to monthly in-service training.

The purpose of the OUESD Teacher Residency Program is to provide aspiring educators with immersive, hands-on training in the classroom, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the challenges of today’s schools. Residents co-teach with experienced Mentor Teachers for an entire school year, gaining valuable experience and mentorship while pursuing their teaching credential. Through a grant from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC), OUESD offers a $35,000 stipend to support residents during their year-long residency, helping reduce financial barriers as they focus on developing their teaching skills.

OUESD is excited to announce the upcoming launch of its Counselor Residency Program, which we will start in June 2025. This program, in partnership with UMass Global, will offer a unique, hands-on learning experience for a small, selective cohort of up to five participants. Residents will have the opportunity to earn their Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential with a Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA) Authorization while gaining practical experience under the mentorship of seasoned counselors in our district's elementary and middle schools. This intimate cohort size ensures personalized support and mentorship, setting residents up for long-term success in serving OUESD’s diverse student population. Let us know if you're interested in learning more about the Counselor Residency Program by completing this form.

Who are the Best Candidates for this Program? 

• Current Substitute Teachers​​

• Current Paraprofessionals or Instructional Assistants (positions must lend themselves to the required time in Mentor Teacher's classroom)

• People who have a Bachelor’s degree and want to become teachers​​

Highlights of the OUESD Teacher Residency Program:

• Earn a Preliminary Teaching Credential through Teachers College of San Joaquin with a concentration on Multiple Subject, Single Subject (Science), Single Subject (Math), Mild Moderate Support Needs (MMSN), and Extensive Support Needs (ESN), and the option to add on a Master’s degree.

• Earn a DUAL Preliminary Teaching Credential through Teachers College of San Joaquin with a general education credential (Multiple Subject or Single Subject) and a special education credential (Mild Moderate Support Needs or Extensive Support Needs), and the option to add on a Master’s degree.

• $35,000 Stipend: Provided through a grant from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) to support residents financially during the program. OUESD Resident Teachers commit to teaching in their credential area for 4 out of the 8 years following earning their Preliminary Teaching Credential.

• Hands-on Co-Teaching Experience: Work alongside an experienced Mentor Teacher in an OUESD classroom, applying theory to real-world practice.

• Collaborative Training: Residents and mentors receive ongoing professional development on topics like adult learning theory, co-teaching models, and educational equity.

• Monthly In-Service Days: Exclusive training opportunities for Resident Teachers and Mentor Teachers to build leadership and teaching capacity.

• Pathway to Full-Time Employment: A pipeline to teaching positions in OUESD!

• Mentorship Support: Ongoing guidance from Mentor Teachers, who are compensated for their time, to ensure success throughout the program.

How to Apply:

• The next application will be open from November 2025- April 2026 for the 2026-27 school year.

• Prepare a 5-10 minute video response to selected prompts as part of the application process.

• Upload all required documents, including an introduction letter.

• Apply to be a substitute for Oakley Union Elementary School District on https://edjoin.org.

If accepted, you will need to apply to Teachers College of San Joaquin. This includes obtaining a Certificate of Clearance from the CTC, showing evidence of working toward subject matter competency, and providing evidence of meeting the US Constitution requirement. Reach out with any questions!

For more information, please complete the Teacher Residency Interest Form to join our mailing list!

Contact:

• Brandy Byers, Ed.D.

• Director of Educator Development

• bbyers@ouesd.k12.ca.us

• Book an appointment with Brandy.

The Oakley Union Elementary School District (OUESD) Counselor Residency Program is a transformative initiative in partnership with UMass Global designed to cultivate and support the next generation of school counselors. This program provides aspiring counselors with hands-on experience, mentorship, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students' academic and emotional well-being.

Why Join the OUESD Counselor Residency Program?

• Hands-On Experience: Gain practical experience in school counseling while working closely with experienced professionals.

• Mentorship & Support: Receive personalized guidance and mentorship from seasoned school counselors.

• Professional Development: Engage in workshops, training, and networking opportunities to enhance your skills.

• Stipend & Benefits: Eligible residents may receive $35,000 to cover tuition, living expenses, etc (with an agreement to work for OUESD for at least 4 years following earning the credential).

• Pathway to Employment: Successful completion of the program will lead to employment opportunities within OUESD.

Program Structure

• Fieldwork Experience: Residents will work within OUESD schools, supporting students' social-emotional development, academic planning, and career readiness.

• Supervision & Coaching: Participants will receive ongoing feedback and support from credentialed school counselors and district leaders.

• Training Seminars: Regular professional learning sessions will cover essential topics such as crisis intervention, equity in counseling, and behavioral strategies.

• Collaboration & Community Engagement: Residents will collaborate with educators, families, and community partners to support student success.

Eligibility & Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Commitment to serving diverse student populations.

• Passion for student advocacy and support.

• Ability to work collaboratively in a school environment.

• Ability to 'shadow' a mentor counselor consistently through the residency and clinical practice.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit an online application, including:

• Resume & Cover Letter

• Letters of Recommendation

• Statement of Purpose

• Video Introduction

• Transcripts (will need to submit to UMass Global)

🗓 Application Deadline: TBD- the next round of applications will open in Spring 2027.

Contact Us

For more information about the OUESD Counselor Residency Program, please contact:

• Brandy Byers, Ed.D.

• Email: bbyers@ouesd.k12.ca.us

• Book an appointment with Brandy.

Join us in shaping the future of school counseling and making a difference in the lives of students!

Do you need to make a living wage while you earn your credential? OUESD also has a local intern teacher credential program in partnership with the Santa Clara County Office of Education! Click here to learn more.

Third-Party Notification for OUESD Educator Preparation Programs

Public Notification: Request for Comments on Educator Preparation Programs

Oakley Union Elementary School District (OUESD) is committed to continuous improvement in the design and delivery of its educator preparation programs. As part of this process, we are seeking public input and feedback on our programs, including the Teacher Residency Program, Counselor Residency Program, Teacher and Administrator Induction Programs, and the Reading and Literacy Added Authorization. These programs, along with our broader educator apprenticeship pathways, are critical in preparing and supporting educators in our district.

We invite all interested parties—teachers, administrators, parents, community members, and other stakeholders—to provide comments and feedback on the effectiveness and impact of these programs. Your input is essential to help us ensure that our educator preparation efforts meet the needs of our students, educators, and the community.

Please submit your comments or feedback to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) at the following email address: input@ctc.ca.gov.

We greatly value your participation in this important process, and your feedback will guide the ongoing development and success of our educator preparation programs, ensuring that we continue to provide high-quality training, support, and pathways for future educators and leaders.

Thank you for your engagement and support as we work together to strengthen the future of education in our community.