University Mentors- PK-3 (Fall 2026)

Position overview

Position title: University Mentor Salary range: Candidate Mentoring: $600.00 per candidate Additional Site Stipend: $100.00 per additional school site (applies when three or more observations are completed at that site and duties include more than one location) Anticipated start: As early as August 2026 for fall of 2026 Position duration: Fall 2026

Application Window

Open date: February 25, 2026
Next review date: Monday, Mar 16, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Saturday, Aug 1, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

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/

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

• 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

Additional qualifications

• 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

Preferred qualifications

• 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

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Statement of Teaching
• Authorization to Release Information Form - 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.
• Unofficial Transcripts - Highest level of completion

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)