A note from Superintendent Bassanelli: Building a strong future

Good afternoon,

Welcome back and Happy New Year! I hope you had a restful break and are feeling energized as we step into the second half of the 2024-25 school year. As we embrace the new year, I want to highlight one exciting way we’re investing in our employees to help support student achievement at San Juan Unified. 

Investing in our employees is not just about professional development; it's about fostering a culture of growth, opportunity and shared commitment to student success. We know that the most impactful school districts are those with a highly qualified and dedicated workforce. We're incredibly proud of our teacher residency program, an innovative pathway for individuals with bachelor's degrees to earn their teaching credentials while working alongside experienced educators in our classrooms. This program, established in partnership with Alder Graduate School of Education, is particularly exciting because we've actively encouraged our classified staff – the paraprofessionals, office staff, and support personnel who already know our students and communities – to participate.

This residency program is a win-win for everyone involved. Our classified staff gain the opportunity to advance their careers while remaining connected to the school community they already know and love. Our students benefit from teachers who deeply understand their unique needs and backgrounds. Our district strengthens its commitment to fostering a diverse and representative teacher workforce that reflects the rich tapestry of our community. This approach addresses the critical teacher shortage and ensures that our students see themselves reflected in the educators who guide them.

Our investment in the teacher residency program is an investment in the future of our students and our community. By cultivating talent from within, we're not only strengthening our workforce but also fostering a sense of belonging and opportunity for everyone who contributes to the success of our schools. This is what it means to be a truly student-centered district – one that recognizes the potential within its own community and invests in the growth of every individual.

As we enter 2025, we will continue to make great things happen together.

In community,

Melissa Bassanelli
Superintendent