• Education
  • Teacher Practice

In response to a significant spike in enrollment of students who have recently arrived in the United States without a parent or guardian, San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) began offering specialized training to teachers, counselors, and administrators. SFUSD developed six professional learning communities. Each is organized by content area and co-facilitated by a strong veteran teacher and an English learner content specialist. These communities encourage teachers from different schools to share best practices; visit each other’s classrooms; inform district leaders so they can effectively support newcomer programs; create professional growth opportunities for teachers; and ensure changes that better serve newcomer students.