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Why Should I Teach in the Calexico Unified School District?
Teach With the Best
Our teachers are recognized as being among the best in the region and in the state. Calexico has recently recognized its second National Board Certified teacher – a significant accomplishment for a District of this size. A number of our teachers are sought after as trainers and facilitators. The District encourages the teacher-trainer model to encourage sharing of local expertise.
Mentoring and Support
The Calexico Unified School District believes that if teachers are successful, students will also succeed at high levels. The District is committed to supporting new teachers through a consortium that includes the Imperial County Office of Education and San Diego State University. In addition, distinguished teachers are assigned to mentor and support new staff.
Commitment to Excellence
Excellence for the Calexico Unified School District is a priority with the Board of Education, the Superintendent, the management team and the community. They are all invested in supporting new teachers in the District. At the beginning of every year, the Calexico Chamber of Commerce sponsors a welcome luncheon for new teachers and administrators.
Live and Work in Calexico
Calexico is a wonderful place to work and live. Located on the California-México border, the city takes pride in its vibrant and energetic people. Housing and recreation abound in the area with numerous and affordable housing developments being built in the city. Calexico also boasts a campus of San Diego State University which is located in the center of the city. The University has extensive offerings for educators seeking advanced degrees
or additional credentials.
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Address and Directions
Calexico Unified School District
901 Andrade Avenue
Calexico, CA 92231
(760) 768-3888
Directions from San Diego
Interstate 8 East to Hwy 111 South [Calexico & Mexicali]. Left on Birch Road [Hwy 98] to Andrade Avenue. Take a right on Andrade – Second Building on the Right.
Directions from Palm Springs
Interstate 10 West to Hwy 86 South to Interstate 8 East. Follow directions from San Diego.
Directions from Yuma, AZ
Interstate 8 West to Hwy 98 [Calexico Exit]. Left on Andrade Avenue. District Office is the second building on the right.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What positions are available within the CUSD?
A listing of certificated, classified and management positions is available at the District Office as well as at each of the school sites. Employment opportunities are also listed on this web site under Career Opportunities.
Can I choose what school I want to be considered for?
The District makes every effort to accommodate preferences whenever possible. However, there are times that assignments are made by the Assistant Superintendent in response to District needs.
Do I have to be bilingual to be considered for a position in Calexico?
No. While over 95% of the pupils who attend the CUSD are of Mexican descent, less than 40 % of the classes are offered in the primary language. However, all teachers must have, or be willing to obtain, a CLAD or BCLAD endorsement authorizing them to teach English learners.
Can I apply for a certificated position with a paper application?
Yes. However, the CUSD is moving towards a paperless system. You can apply on line by clicking on Certificated Information. If you prefer a paper application, you will need to stop by the District Office to pick one up.
How long will my application be kept current?
Paper applications will be archived after 12 months and destroyed after 3 years. Electronic or online applications will remain active for a period of 36 months. Remember that it is your responsibility to keep your application current. Online applications should be updated as necessary [e.g. Address changes, changes in employment or educational advancement.]
Do I need to be fingerprinted before applying?
No. You will need to be fingerprinted for the CUSD after you have been offered and accepted an assignment.
Do my transcripts need to be sealed when I apply?
No. Official transcripts may be open as long as they have an official stamp. However, you will need to furnish the District with sealed transcripts upon acceptance of an offer of employment.
Do I have to provide letters of recommendation?
Yes. The District will not consider an application complete without three (3) letters of recommendation. A statement such as “References will be furnished upon request.”, will not be accepted.
If I don’t get a full-time teaching assignment can I apply as a substitute?
Yes. The CUSD encourages applicants to apply to our substitute pool. It allows you to gain experience and it provides you with an opportunity to learn about the programs and services that are offered within the District.
Does Calexico Unified have a residency requirement?
Although the District does not have a residency requirement, we find that the majority of teachers have chosen to live in the city. Housing is both affordable and plentiful.
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FAQ’s for out-of-state teacher candidates
Does the District provide for moving expenses?
Unfortunately, the District currently does not have the economic resources to subsidize moving costs. The Extra Credit Teacher Home Purchase Program offers home ownership assistance to eligible teachers and administrators. Teacher Next Door makes it possible for teachers to purchase HUD homes at a 50% discount in HUD-designated revitalization areas.
Does the District provide a “Bonus” if I’m credentialed and “Highly Qualified” under NCLB?
No. Fully credentialed teachers are placed at the appropriate level of the salary schedule in accordance with credential status, education and experience.
Do I have to pass CBEST before I can start as a teacher in Calexico?
If you presently hold a valid teaching certificate/credential from another state, you will have one year to take and pass the CBEST examination. The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing will notify you of any additional requirements you must meet in order to obtain a Clear Credential.
Can I be interviewed over the phone?
No. Interviews are generally conducted in the District or at employment fairs by our recruiters. On rare occasions we arrange for video interviews.
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Other Important Dates
June 30 Deadline for returning Notice of Reasonable
Assurance
Intent to Return Notification
September 30 Deadline for Transcripts for Salary
Advancement
Holidays / Non-working days
Check the Holidays in our Calendar. CLICK HERE
Non-Teaching Days
November 22-26 Thanksgiving Break
Dec. 20-Jan. 1 Winter Break
Mar 25 – Apr 1 Spring Break
Summer School Dates
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Credential Information
California Credentialed Teachers
The District is committed to reaching the best qualified teachers in the state of California, and has resolved to employ California credentialed teachers who meet the “No Child Left Behind” (NCLB) requirements imposed by the State of California. Those teachers who received their initial credential after July 1, 2002 must have completed an induction program and met subject matter competence to become NCLB qualified.
Out-of-State Credentialed Teachers
Applicants who hold an out-of-state teaching credential may be eligible for an out-of-state comparable credential. Applicants are afforded one year to pass the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST) from the date of initial issuance of a valid California credential. Please contact a County Office of Education for further information.
Foreign Credentialed Teachers
Applicants with foreign credentials must satisfy the requirements of validating the coursework through a foreign evaluation service prior to initiating the application process. Applicants are afforded one year to pass the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST) from the date of initial issuance of a valid California credential. For more information on foreign transcripts evaluation, check the website at: http://www.ierf.org .
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Incentives for Teachers
Several incentive programs designed to bring people into the teaching profession in California are now in place, and many more are in the planning stages. We have listed a representative sample that might be of interest to you.
APLE Assumption Plan of Loans for Education
This is a teacher incentive program for students, out-of-state teachers, and district interns to become California teachers in critical subject areas of designated schools. It provides a graduated annual assumption of student loans for up to four years for successful teaching.
California Professional Development Stipends
This program provides a stipend starting at $1,000 to credentialed teachers who participate in California Professional Development Institute programs.
FFEL Loan Forgiveness
This program is designed to encourage individuals to enter into and continue in the teaching profession. The program pays up to $5,000 after the fifth year of teaching on outstanding loan balances.
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (BNPTS) certification Incentive Program
This is a $10,000 award for teachers who have attained certification from the NBPTS. An additional $20,000 is awarded to the recipient for service in low-performing schools.
Teacher Tax Credits
Beginning in the year 2000, teachers with four or more years of service will receive net state income tax credits of $250-$1500 per year.
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Interview Tips
Consider your interview with an administrative panel as your opportunity to "shine". Here are some effective interviewing tips to help you make a favorable impression:
Research the District, the school and the position – The more that you know about the school and the position that you are applying for, the better you will appear in the interview. Find out as much about the school as possible by using your contacts, the Internet, and any other resources available.
Review and Update Your Resume – Your resume is usually the first contact that you will have with the principal. Be sure that it is perfect! Eliminate any typographical errors and out-of-date information. Make sure that it is clear and concise and easy to read. Also, bring extra copies of your resume to the interview in the event that you are meeting with more than one person.
Assemble a Portfolio – Bring a portfolio of your education accomplishments, including pictures of projects, awards, evidence of participation in events outside of school, and anything else you would like to share.
Arrive 15 Minutes Early – Give yourself enough time to get to the school and find your way to the office with time to spare. This will help to provide a more relaxing interview without all the stress of rushing.
Dress Professionally – This is an important meeting, make sure you look the part. When in doubt, dress conservatively!
For women
A simple business suit with sensible shoes
Moderate make-up and perfume
Simple jewelry
Well-groomed hair and fingernails
For men
A clean, ironed shirt and conservative tie are a must
A simple jacket or business suit is a good idea
Polished shoes
Neatly-trimmed facial hair or clean-shaven
Well-groomed hair and fingernails
Prepare and Practice Your Answers to Common Questions – Many interview questions are common among interviewers. Be prepared to answers those questions with ease. If you are surprised by a question, feel free to ask for a little time to think through your answer. The following are a list of commonly asked questions:
1. Tell me about yourself.
2. Why do you want to teach for our school/District?
3. What are your strengths/weaknesses as a teacher?
4. What skills do you have that could benefit our school?
5. What is your philosophy of education?
6. How would you handle a discipline problem?
7. How familiar are you with instructional technologies?
Prepare Questions to Ask Your Interviewer – Make sure that you leave the interview with all the information necessary to make an informed decision about that school, should they offer you the position. Develop a list of questions (at least five) that you want to know and ask them when appropriate. Pay attention to the interviewer to avoid asking questions that have already been answered. If the interviewer does not indicate, ask when and how you will be further notified about the position.
Follow Up With the HR Department – After your interview, it is courteous to send a thank-you note or letter to the interviewers. If you do not hear from the District within the time suggested by the interviewer, call to inquire about
the status of the position.
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Relocating to Calexico
Moving to Calexico is relatively easy! The most difficult task is deciding what to bring and what to leave behind. Remember that the sun spends the winter in the Imperial Valley so that your heavy winter coats will only be necessary if you leave Calexico to visit colder climes during the winter months. Then of course, there are all of those boxes! If you decide to move yourself, virtually all major truck rental firms have offices in the greater Calexico-El Centro area. If you chose to contract with a moving company, they all provide service to the greater Calexico metropolitan area. For information about housing and services, we recommend that you start with the Calexico Chamber of Commerce. They can put you in touch with realtors and provide you with information about the rich array of services that are available to you in beautiful Calexico!
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