Frequently Asked Questions

I think I want to be a teacher. What requirements are there?

To teach in SFUSD, you must possess a valid teaching credential obtained through an accredited teacher preparation program.  For more information about requirements for specific credentials, visit the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

May I send in a paper application, attachments, and/or references?

No, we only accept applications through SearchSoft, our online applicant tracking system.  Click here to be directed to SearchSoft.

Am I a NCLB Highly Qualified Teacher?

The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001, requires that all public school districts hire "highly qualified" teachers for their schools.  SFUSD is committed to hiring teachers who meet the NCLB definition of a highly qualified. Teachers are NCLB compliant (HQT) when they meet the following criteria:

1. Hold at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university  
2. Hold the appropriate teaching authorization
3. Demonstrate subject-matter competency in each core academic subject taught

What documentation is required to verify I am NCLB Highly Qualified?

Upon request, a previous employer can issue a certificate of compliance verifying a teacher’s HQT status.   Out-of-state NCLB HQT compliance may be transferable to California.  If you do not have certificate of compliance, then you will need to show subject matter competency through exam results or applicable transcripts.  Please contact the NCLB Compliance office for general questions.  You may also contact us at prasadc@sfusd.edu if you have further questions.

Do you sponsor candidates from out of the country?

SFUSD is unable to sponsor working visas at this time; however, applicants who have been issued a J-1 visa are eligible for hire

What is the CLAD? Do I need one and how do I get it?

All teachers in SFUSD must possess CLAD (Crosscultural, Language and Academic Development) authorization or comparable authorization for teaching English Learners (EL). Please download a summary of all documents that authorize the instruction of EL students.  If you recently completed a teacher preparation program within California, the CLAD may be embedded within your credential.  If you do not have CLAD authorization, you can earn it through coursework (list of approved programs) or via CTEL examination.

You may be considered eligible for hire with SFUSD if your CLAD authorization is still in progress; however, should you be hired you will be required to obtain the CLAD within your first year of teaching with the district.

Does your district sponsor emergency permits?

SFUSD typically does not sponsor emergency teaching permits.  Some exceptions may be made for specific cases in high need subject areas where fully credentialed candidates are not available.

How do I transfer a credential from out of state?

All out-of-state trained teachers are required to apply for their California credential and are required to obtain the appropriate authorization for teaching English Learners (EL).

Individuals who have completed their teacher preparation program outside of California should visit the “Out of State Applicants” section of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing website for information on transferring your credential to California based on the type of California credential you wish to obtain.

How do I become eligible to teach in bilingual classrooms?

Bilingual teachers must have a valid credential and BCLAD (Bilingual Crosscultural, Language and Academic Development) authorization in the language they will be teaching in.  If you have a valid teaching credential with English Learner authorization (CLAD), you can obtain authorization to teach in a bilingual classroom by passing sections III, IV and V of the CSET Languages Other Than English (LOTE) test. Exam information and dates.

What do I do after I have submitted an application for employment?

After your application is submitted, SFUSD Recruitment will review it. Once your application has been reviewed, you will receive an email notifying you of your status. (Please be sure the email address on your application is valid, and that you have elected to receive emails from the system.)  If your application has passed initial screening it will become visible to principals in the system. Note that we do accept applications on a rolling basis; however, we screen them based on need.

After submitting my application, I received an email stating that I am eligible for hire, but I have not received phone calls from principals.  What should I do now?

Principals review eligible applicants who have applied to the specific positions available at their sites.  Be sure to attach your application to specific job openings that interest you by logging in to your application and going to the “Jobs” tab. Principals screen applications carefully to select for interview those candidates who they think will be the best fit for the position. Keep in mind the large number of candidates that apply for each position. You should continue to apply for new jobs as they are posted and be sure to update your application and resume to reflect any changes to your contact information, employment history or credentials.

I’ve been offered a position by a school site. What do I do now?

Once a school site makes an offer, they notify Human Resources.  A Human Resources representative will contact you via phone or email to schedule an appointment to complete your new hire processing.  If you are hired during a peak season such as the summer months, you may be invited to participate in a group onboarding session.

All new hires must be fingerprinted at the district office and submit negative TB test results from within the last 60 days (or 4 years if you are transferring directly from another school district). You will also be required to submit official transcripts.

How can I be fingerprinted?

All new hires must be fingerprinted at the district office. To make a fingerprinting appointment, call 415-241-6101 x3251.

Who do I call if I have questions regarding my benefits or salary?

For questions regarding benefits, call 415-241-6101 x3243, x3389 or x3250.  Benefits also offers drop in hours at the district office located at 555 Franklin St., Monday-Thursday from 12:00 to 4:30. Please also visit our salary and benefits page for more information.

For questions regarding salary, you can call the Salary Office at 415-241-6101 x3248. Please also see the salary section of this site for more information.