University Mentors- PK-3 (Fall 2026)

The UC Merced Teacher Preparation Program (TPP) invites qualified applicants to apply for

the role of University Mentor to support teacher candidates in the PK-3 Early Childhood

Education (ECE) Specialist Instruction Credential Program. Mentors play a critical role in

supervising and supporting the development of future PK-3 educators aligned with

California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) standards and Teaching

Performance Expectations (TPEs).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

* Provide a minimum of six formal observations per semester for each assigned teacher candidate in clinical placements. Observations must be aligned to the PK-3 ECE TPEs and may include in-person, video-captured, or synchronous formats with archived feedback.

* Conduct weekly communication with candidates (via email, phone, Zoom, or in person).

* Maintain consistent communication with cooperating teachers and site administrators, promoting a shared understanding of program expectations.

* Evaluate candidates' pedagogical performance in accordance with PK-3 ECE TPEs, providing formative feedback and documenting candidate progress.

* Attend mandatory program orientation, mentor trainings, and calibration meetings (minimum two per semester).

* Ensure that clinical sites demonstrate developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate practices, as well as robust support for English learners and children with disabilities.

* Submit timely reports and documentation as required by the Teacher Preparation Program.

* Collaborate with UC Merced PACE staff (including the Program Director, Associate Director, and Credential Analyst) to address candidate needs, remediation, or concerns.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

* Must comply with the UC SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Policy

* Willingness to travel within a 50-mile radius of Merced

* Ability to meet all CTC documentation and evaluation deadlines

Program: https://teacherprep.ucmerced.edu/

*Valid California Clear Credential (or terminal degree in education or related field). Minimum of five years of PK-3 or TK-3 teaching experience.

* Recent experience in California school settings aligned with adopted content standards and frameworks.

* Qualifications of faculty and other instructional personnel must include, but are not limited to:

• Current knowledge of the content relevant to early childhood and PK-3 instruction.
• Knowledge of the current context of public schooling, including California's adopted P-12 content standards, frameworks, and accountability systems.
• Knowledge of diversity in society, including diverse abilities, culture, language, ethnicity, and gender orientation.
• Demonstration of effective professional practices in teaching and learning, scholarship, and service

Must comply with the UC SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Policy

* Willingness to travel within a 50-mile radius of Merced

* Ability to meet all CTC documentation and evaluation deadlines

Experience supervising or mentoring pre-service teachers.

* Familiarity with developmentally appropriate practices, culturally responsive pedagogy, and early literacy instruction as outlined in Program Standard 7.

* Training in adult learning theory, cognitive coaching, and current content-specific pedagogy.

* Comfort with digital observation tools and feedback system

• 3 required (contact information only)

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.

Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application: Required Authorization of Information Release Form.

Candidates must possess valid authorization to work in the United States. UC Merced is not currently able to sponsor individuals residing outside the United States who would require a new H-1B visa for employment. Applicants who do not hold valid U.S. work authorization are presently ineligible for this position.

Additional links: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy, the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy, and APM 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and recently designated as an R1 institution by Carnegie, UC Merced is committed to innovation and excellence in research. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students (Center of Institutional Effectiveness), UC Merced provides outstanding, inclusive educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the heart of California, the nation, and abroad. The campus has special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park; is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design; and supports the economic development of Central California.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. This includes the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs.