Keeping and Hiring Great Teachers

Each year, more than 9 out of 10 teachers stay at PUSD. Our teacher turnover rate is about half of the state average - clear evidence that PUSD provides an environment where educators thrive professionally and personally.

Apple sitting on table with chalkboard background

Working Conditions That Support Work-Life Balance

		Workload & Schedule 185 Work Days - fewer than neighboring districts with only marginally higher salaries 3.75 hours of weekly prep time at the elementary level Additional preparation periods for secondary special education teachers 25 minutes of flexible planning before school (8:00 AM - 8:25 AM) to do paperwork and collaborate with specialists and parents Wednesday student early release, providing weekly professional development and collaboration time 8:00 AM - 3:50 PM work day

		Professional Support Instructional Coaches who provide professional learning, in-class coaching, and planning time New teachers are paired with coaches and provided with additional professional development in classroom management and a classroom supply budget Regular district-wide professional development to support alignment and collaboration with data-informed instruction

		Additional Benefits Substitute Teachers on Special Assignment (SOSAs) offering reliable site-based coverage Year-for-year credit with no cap for out-of-district teaching experience 20 Personal Necessity Days - twice what surrounding districts provide, offering flexibility for personal or family needs

		Unprecedented Investment in Student Support Reduces Teacher Workload Since 2020, PUSD has dramatically expanded support staff that directly assists teachers: Student Mental Health & Behavior Support School Psychologists: 1 for every 2 schools Social Workers: 1 for every 5 schools Behavior Support (CSIS & PBIS): 1 per Elementary Site and 1-2 per Secondary Site Substance Abuse and Mental Health Counselors: 5 for the district Nurses at each site Counseling Support Elementary Counselors: 8 shared with 10 sites Middle & High School Counselors: 1-6 for each Secondary Site (depending on the number of students) Special Education Support Special Education support is provided based on student needs as identified in their Individualized Education Plan. PUSD employs about 200 special education teachers, speech and language pathologists, behavior intervention specialists, and other support staff trained to meet the needs of our special education students. These investments provide classroom support that teachers have asked for.

		The Bottom Line It's clear why 9 out of 10 teachers choose to stay with PUSD each year. With a comprehensive approach to teacher support that goes far beyond salary. When you combine supportive working conditions with substantial investments in support staff, PUSD offers one of the most attractive opportunities in the Central Valley, providing teachers with the foundation for professional growth and a deeply rewarding career. The proof is in our retention rates: Teachers stay at PUSD because we create an environment where educators can focus on what they do best - teaching.