Position Type:
Teachers - Elementary/Jr. High/Middle School/Elementary Teacher
Date Posted:
7/23/2026
Location:
All sites
Closing Date:
08/05/2026
Teacher on Special Assignment, Independent Study
(Open to In-District Applicants Only)
District Context and Commitment
Located in the heart of Kern County, the Bakersfield City School District ("BCSD") is committed to providing safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environments across the entire organization. We serve a diverse community of students and families and are guided by a deep commitment to equity, access, and excellence in education.
BCSD values and respects every member of its community. We are dedicated to upholding the law, honoring the dignity of all individuals, and fostering a culture where students, families, and staff feel safe, supported, and heard.
We seek employees who demonstrate a strong commitment to ethical decision-making, professionalism, and accountability, and who consistently act with integrity in service of our students and community. Employees in BCSD are expected to model high standards of conduct, ensure compliance with all legal requirements, and contribute to a culture of trust, respect, and continuous improvement.
Position Summary
Under the general direction of the assigned district administrator, the Teacher on Special Assignment ("TOSA"), Independent Study designs curriculum, plans lessons, and evaluates student performance for students enrolled in an independent study program. This role is responsible for delivering high-quality instruction, adapting curriculum to meet diverse student needs, and evaluating academic progress.
Additionally, the TOSA serves as the central point of contact for families and students and facilitates clear and timely communication with school and district staff. A critical component of this position is the precise management of student records, instructional agreements, and work samples to maintain strict compliance with the California Education Code and district policies.
BCSD Context and Rationale for the Position
BCSD is committed to providing independent study program opportunities for students that are substantially similar to the regular classroom instructional program. By utilizing specialized instructional methodologies and leveraging technology, this position ensures that independent study students receive an equitable, high-quality, and continuous education. This position is designed to:
- Support student access to the District's independent study program through the creation of grade-level lessons and assignments
- Provide direct, differentiated instruction and daily contact for assigned students
- Evaluate student independent study work to determine level of completion and credit for attendance purposes
Furthermore, because independent study programs in California are subject to strict legal guidelines and financial audits, this position provides the dedicated expertise necessary to ensure total regulatory compliance while maintaining high standards of student accountability and engagement.
Qualifications
1. Valid California Multiple Subjects teaching credential
2. Five years or more of classroom instruction with service to multiple grade levels preferred
3. Experience with independent study frameworks, virtual learning platforms, or alternative education models preferred
4. Proficiency in utilizing educational technology applications to track student data, attendance, and academic progress
5. Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively collaborate with diverse student populations, families, and staff
6. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
7. Evidence showing potential for success working with children, parents, colleagues, and other adults
8. Evidence of effective lesson planning
9. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
10. Well organized, punctual, creative and innovative
11. Ability to adapt to changing environments and expectations
12. Well versed in current technology and educational research-based practices
13. Bilingual preferred
Reports To
Administrator as assigned
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
1. Design and implement grade-level-appropriate independent study coursework aligned with California state standards for TK-8 students
2. Provide direct, individualized, and differentiated instruction and/or daily contact to students either electronically or in-person, consistent with statutory and policy guidelines
3. Utilize appropriate instructional materials and adapt teaching methods based on each student's identified learning needs, style, and sound principles of learning
4. Establish and maintain proactive, positive, and respectful relationships with students and their families to promote an optimal learning environment
5. Interface regularly with parents/guardians to discuss student progress, expectations, and educational goals
6. Conduct routine conferences with students and parents to review work assignments, address challenges, and celebrate academic achievements
7. Review, grade, and evaluate student work products systematically and provide timely, constructive feedback
8. Collaborate with district colleagues and curriculum specialists to develop, refine, and align independent study curricula with broader district goals
9. Provide professional development on the independent study process
10. Monitor student engagement and academic growth, implementing interventions when necessary to ensure student success
11. Utilize specialized technology applications and student information systems (SIS) to track, monitor, and maintain accurate independent study records for district and state audit purposes
12. Select, save, and submit representative samples of each student's completed and evaluated assignments for every subject, ensuring they are dated, graded, and stored in accordance with the California Education Code and district policies
13. Complete all required student-related paperwork, master agreements, and compliance documentation in a timely and meticulous manner as assigned by the supervisor
14. Maintains confidentiality and does not access, discuss, or disclose student, patient, or family information except as required for assigned duties
15. Models personal and professional values of equity, integrity, caring, collaboration, personal and collective accountability
16. Performs other related duties as assigned
Terms of Employment
Salary: $64,399- $131,749 Annually, 185 days
(Max. Salary includes educational and shift differential stipend)
Evaluation
Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the District's "Improvement of Professional Services" handbook, Board Policies and Procedures, and consistent with collective bargaining agreements when applicable.
Minimum Application Requirements:
An online application and any documents listed below must be submitted for completion of application by 8:00 p.m. on August 5, 2026:
1. Resume
2. Two (2) current letters of recommendation dated within one year of filing deadline
3. Evidence of valid California Multiple Subjects teaching credential
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Some positions may require proof of privately owned automobile insurance and the possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle operator's license. Fingerprint clearance by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the California Department of Justice is a condition of appointment after all other required job conditions have been met. Must present verification of completion of Child Abuse Mandated Reporter training or obtain verification within six (6) weeks of hire and annually thereafter, as required by the California Child Abuse Neglect Reporting Act.
The Bakersfield City School District wishes to thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Positions may be re advertised or application deadlines extended at the discretion of the District. Unless otherwise notified by the District, applications received in response to this bulletin will be considered for available District positions in this classification during the current school year. Those meeting minimum qualifications, including passage of required tests, will remain active during this time. Applicants will not be individually notified of their application status.
AB2534 and SB848
Effective January 1, 2025, Assembly Bill (AB2534) and January 1, 2026, Senate Bill (SB848), mandates all certificated and classified applicants provide a complete and accurate list of every school district, county office of education, charter school, and/or state special school (Local Educational Agencies (LEA)) where the applicant has previously worked, regardless of the length of service, including full-time, part-time and substitute employment. If multiple LEAs are within the same district, only the district information is required. Failure to disclose any previous educational employment and/or providing false information in a job application may result in the disqualification of your application.
Any candidates contacting, directly or indirectly, any member of the Board of Education and/or administration with the intention of influencing their or another candidates selection to any administrative position shall be disqualified without recourse.
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract expressed or implied and any of the provisions contained herein may be modified or revoked without notice.
NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
The Bakersfield City School District (BCSD) is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals in education and in employment. BCSD prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis and/or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics of age, ethnicity or race, which is inclusive of traits historically associated with race, including but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles, such as braids, locks, and twists, color, ancestry, nationality, national origin, immigration status, ethnic group identifications, religion, pregnancy, marital status, parental status, physical disability, mental disability, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, medical information, genetic information, homelessness, foster status, military veteran status, political affiliation or any other basis prohibited by California state and federal nondiscrimination laws consistent with Education Code 200, 220 and 234.1, Penal Code 422.55, Government Code 11135, Section 504, and Title IX. Not all bases of discrimination will apply to both education services and employment. If you believe you, or your student, have been subjected to discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying you should contact your school site principal and/or the District's Chief Equity Compliance Officer, Section 504 Coordinator, and Title IX Coordinator, Rona Chacon Mellon , by phone at (661) 631-4864, by email at
[email protected], or in person at 1300 Baker Street, Bakersfield, CA 93305. Copies of BCSD's Uniform Complaint policy, Sexual Harassment policy, and Nondiscrimination policies are available upon request.
