Teachers and other staff learn through multiple training opportunities
Fairfield, CA (August 25, 2026) - FSUSD kicked off the 2026-27 school year with training sessions for teachers, paraeducators, campus monitors and more.
From August 3-5, FSUSD had 110 new teachers join Premier Start, a three-day onboarding and professional learning experience designed to help educators feel supported and connected form day one. Participants explored curriculum and instruction, classroom management, Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), and the FSUSD Instructional Framework.
"Premier Start is more than welcoming teachers to the district," said Kristin Warsaw, FSUSD Coordinator of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment. "We want every teacher to leave with practical strategies they can use right away and a strong sense that they are part of the FSUSD community."
Premier Start also helped new educators build connections across the district, with support from community partners Valley Strong Credit Union and SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, as well as the Fairfield-Suisun Teacher Association. Teachers received classroom supplies and resources to help them begin the school year with confidence.
The commitment to ongoing professional learning continued with SPARK, a two-day experience attended by approximately 150 teachers. They participated in sessions led by district educators and Educational Services coordinators, exploring strategies for making learning relevant, strengthening collaborative learning routines, planning for clarity, and designing effective literacy blocks.
One SPARK highlight brought professional learning to life as Literacy Coordinator Rasheeda Turner-Dickens and Cordelia Hills Elementary teacher Laura Obando modeled literacy instruction with several of Laura’s former students. The experience gave teachers an opportunity to observe instructional strategies in action and consider how they could apply them in their own classrooms.
Prior to school starting, a summer professional development series was offered for special education paraeducators. The North Bay School Schools Insurance Authority (NBSIA) provided an in-depth training for paraeducators focused on behavior. Grand Canyon University sponsored a session titled “Self-Regulation & Autism Support”, providing a way for attendees to deepen their understanding of the different levels of autism served in our schools. Both trainings equipped staff with strategies to better support our students. Campus monitors received training from NBSIA as well, covering topics such as communication tactics, de-escalation strategies, and restorative practices. Paraeducators and Campus Monitors alike appreciated these sessions as they prepared for the school year to begin.
“Effective learning begins with great support for our staff,” said FSUSD Superintendent Jennifer Sachs. “When we invest in our teams, give them opportunities to learn from one another, and equip them with practical tools, we are investing directly in student success.”
Professional development offerings continue on into the school year. One session took place recently, where FSUSD educators partnered with Lead by Learning to expand their capacity to support teacher development and enhance instructional practices. This ongoing collaboration will help foster positive learning outcomes for both teachers and students.
These trainings reflect FSUSD’s commitment to creating a welcoming, engaging, and supportive learning community – not only for students, but for the staff who help ignite their potential. From welcoming new educators, to strengthening the practice of experienced staff, FSUSD started the 2026–27 school year focused on one shared goal: equipping every staff member with the knowledge, support, and tools to help every student thrive.
