Paramount USD Employment: FAQ's
The Paramount Unified School District is located in the City of Paramount, which is located twenty minutes north of the beach (Long Beach) and ninety minutes north of San Diego, west of Palm Springs, and southwest of Big Bear/Lake Arrowhead.
Statistics & Facts
The population of Paramount is approximately 47,669.
The approximate number of families is 13,726.
The amount of land area in Paramount is 12.182 sq. kilometers.
The amount of surface water is 0.234 sq kilometers. The distance from Paramount to Washington DC is 2425 miles. The distance to the California state capital is 371 miles. (as the crow flies) Paramount is positioned 33.89 degrees north of the equator and 118.16 degrees west of the prime meridian.
The City is proud of its many beautification projects, which draw families and businesses and which invoke civic pride. The School District is proud of the appearance, cleanliness, and safety of its two preschools and Child Development Centers, fourteen K-8 schools, two high school campuses, Alternative Academy, Continuation School, Community Day School, and large Adult Education site.
The Board of Education, Superintendent, Administrators, teachers, and staff hold high expectations for student achievement and behavior. Student performance has continually increased over the past five years, and we pledge to hold the course and work through challenges to ensure the focus on students remains the District's top priority.
Accomplishments
The Paramount Unified School District is recognized for and proud of its accomplishments and innovative efforts to develop high standards for students:
Board of Education-adopted academic content standards for Kindergarten through grade 12 in:
· English-Language Arts
· Mathematics
· Science
· History/Social Sciences
English Acquisition Program for English learners
Equity of programs and resources at all schools
Standards-based rubric report cards at all grades
Performance-Based Assessments in writing and mathematics, K-12
Digital High School Technology Grant
Class-size reduction in grades K - 3 and 9 and 10
School uniforms in grades K-8
"Algebra for All" in grades 6-8
"Biology for All" in grade 9
"Physics for All" in grades 10 - 12
3-year mathematics graduation requirement
Multi-track Year Round Calendar in grades K-8
"PeaceBuilders" program in grades K-9
Study Trips for all students in K-8
Academic interventions, K-12
Counseling and Guidance services, K-12
Benefits
The many excellent benefits for teachers include:
Intensive Teacher Training for new and veteran teachers
Excellent salary schedule
Ten days sick leave annually
Medical, dental, and vision benefits
Promotional opportunities
Direct-deposit of compensation (optional)
Stipends for extended day activities with students
Additional hourly pay for teaching extended day and academic interventions
Substitute teacher compensation during off-track time
CLAD/BCLAD/SB1969/SB395 Certification Stipends
Senate Bill 1193 Staff Development Day compensation (per diem rate)
Teacher Candidates
The Paramount Unified School District seeks and hires highly qualified teachers throughout the year. The District look for candidates who:
Are fully credentialed
Have specialized knowledge, skills and/or training in one of the following areas:
* special education
* literacy
* mathematics
* science
* technology
Successfully complete the interview process
Clear the Mantoux Tuberculosis (TB) and fingerprint requirements
Enjoy working with children
Are willing to expand their knowledge and skills
Are bilingual (desirable)
Represent various cultures
Application Procedures
Step 1: Application
A completed application includes the following:
Signed and dated application form
Resume
Letters of reference (3), including one from most recent supervisor
Transcripts of all completed college work
Verification of having passed CBEST (photocopy of scores)
Student Teaching Evaluations (if applicable)
Photocopy of valid Credentials / Certificates
Step 2: Paper Screening
District administrators review all applications and seek to determine if there is a match between the candidate and the District needs and available positions.
Step 3: Interview
Selected applicants are contacted for the purpose of scheduling an interview for possible employment. The candidate will be notified within two weeks of the interview results.
Step 4: Background Check
After the interview process is completed, the candidate's references and former employers are contacted.
Step 5: Offer of Employment
Human Resources staff will contact successful candidates to offer employment with the District. At this point, the specific school site may not be identified.
Step 6: Employment Processing
After employment with the District is accepted, the following processes are completed:
Proof of negative Mantoux Tuberculosis (TB) screening
Clearance of fingerprints through the California Department of Justice
Determine the candidate's credential eligibility according to assignment
Placement on the salary schedule
Selection of benefits package
Professional Development
All teachers new to the District participate in planned training designed to ensure success in the classroom. Recognizing that continuing teachers remain eager to learn and develop professionally, ongoing training is provided and highly encouraged through excellent compensation. Additionally, the District participates in the State Peer Assistance and Review Program, which is designed to provide permanent teachers with ongoing professional development in subject matter knowledge and teaching strategies.
This training can include:
Academic Standards
Curriculum Mapping
Balanced Literacy
Elements of Instruction
Classroom management and procedures
Behavior management
Lesson Planning
PeaceBuilders
Student report cards
Content / Subject areas
Integrating technology into instruction
Career Advancement
The District provides exciting career advancement opportunities, which are non-classroom positions. These would be available to experienced, credentialed teachers who demonstrate outstanding professional skills as well as positive leadership abilities.
Site Literacy Teacher
There is one position available at each of the District's K-8 schools, requiring specialized content knowledge in early literacy. These teachers work with other teachers as a peer coach and mentor to support them with newly-acquired skills designed to provide support for student achievement.
Science / Mathematics/Technology Coach
These positions are site-based teachers who are released from their classroom duties or are compensated for after-hours training and coordination of new and veteran teachers in the areas of science and/or mathematics, and/or technology.
Curriculum Specialist
Teachers who are recognized throughout the District as possessing a high degree of knowledge and the ability to work with staff may move to a District-level specialist position with a focus in a specific content area. Their responsibilities include providing in-service training throughout the year as well as site-specific trainings for classroom teachers and for administrators.
Consulting Teacher and Teacher Coaches
Having been recognized as demonstrating exemplary teaching ability in content-area and possessing effective communication skills, classroom teachers may apply for a Consulting Teacher position in the Peer Assistance and Review (PAR) Program. These positions receive an annual stipend for providing additional consulting hours beyond the typical work day to teachers in the PAR Program.
Department Head
Selected by their peers, this teacher serves as the lead teacher in his/her high school department. The Department Head would facilitate all of the department's meetings, serve on the school's Leadership Team, and is provided release time in carrying out responsibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. I have an out-of-state credential from an approved teacher preparation program, and I have completed student teaching. How can I qualify to teach in California?
A. If you have not yet taken or passed the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST), you may be eligible for a one-year non-renewable credential. However, during your first year of employment, you must take and pass the CBEST, which is offered several times each year.
Q. I have a degree in English, but I want to teach Business. How can I do that in California?
A. You may qualify for an Emergency Credential if you can verify that you have completed nine upper division or 18 lower division university units to indicate competence in the desired area of teaching.
Q. I want to teach special education, but my Bachelor's degree is in Liberal Studies. Do I need to get a basic credential first before I can teach special education?
A. No, you do not. Prospective teachers can choose to enroll in special education credential programs without first obtaining a basic credential. In some cases, special education internship programs are available.
Q. I do not live in California, but I would like to teach there. How can you help me to relocate to the Paramount area?
A. The District will provide you with a listing of apartments, condominiums, townhouses, and home that are available for occupancy. Additionally, District staff is available to answer any questions you might have about relocating to our area. The California Teachers Association offers low down-payment and low interest mortgage loans.
Q. How many years of service credit will your district honor on the salary scale?
A. The District accepts all years of service credit if the candidate possessed a credential or permit during that time of service and the school was accredited.
Q. Do you have internships available?
A. Yes, internships are available for high demand subject areas, and local universities offer training programs.
Q. As a new teacher in Paramount, what kind of support can I expect?
A. All new teachers are provided with extensive support services and training throughout the school year and during the summer months. This training begins with new teacher orientation, extends throughout the year, and is offered at the school sites, District-wide facilities, and local universities.