University Mentors - Teacher Preparation Program (Part-Time, Academic Year 2025-2026)

The Teacher Preparation Program (TPP), housed within the Division of Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) at the University of California, Merced, invites qualified applicants to apply for Part-Time University Mentor positions for the 2025-2026 academic year.

We seek experienced educators with a demonstrated commitment to teaching and a strong background in mentoring or supervising teachers or teacher candidates. The number of positions available each year is determined by programmatic needs. These are part-time, semester-based contract appointments. Reappointment, if applicable, is based solely on instructional demand and program need.

University Mentors are responsible for providing high-quality mentorship and supervision in accordance with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) standards and the expectations of the Teacher Preparation Program. Mentors must adhere to all documentation and reporting deadlines required by the program and the University.

• Participate in scheduled mentor meetings (typically twice per semester)

• Attend a mandatory orientation and training session

• Conduct a minimum of six (6) classroom observations per teacher candidate during TK-12 public school hours (primarily mornings)

• Complete and submit all required observation reports and candidate documentation by designated deadlines

• Maintain consistent, weekly communication with candidates via in-person meetings, phone calls, video conferences, and/or email

• Collaborate with PACE staff in coordinating candidate placements at approved local TK-12 school sites, as needed

• Provide programmatic orientation to mentor teacher candidates and school site leaders; maintain ongoing communication with district personnel

• Demonstrate up-to-date knowledge of effective mentoring and supervision practices (e.g., cognitive coaching, adult learning theory, culturally relevant pedagogy)

• Work collaboratively with the Director of Education Programs, Assistant Director of the Teacher Preparation Program, and Credential Analyst to support candidate progress

• Participate in program evaluation and feedback processes based on student evaluations; engage in professional development as recommended for continuous improvement

• 
  

  Complete required UC trainings, including:

  
  
  
  
  • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace
  • Cybersecurity Awareness
  • Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Prevention
  • UC Ethical Values and Conduct
  • Workplace Violence Prevention
  
  
  
  

  (Approximately 2 hours total; satisfies requirements under 2 CCR 11024, Government Code 12950.1, AB 1825/2053, 34 CFR 668.46 [VAWA], and UC policy)

  
  

TK-12 school sites in Merced, throughout California, and within a 50-mile radius of the University Mentor's geographic location.

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

• Possession of a valid California Clear Credential
  
  (A terminal degree, such as an Ed.D. or Ph.D. in a related field, may be substituted for the California Clear Credential)

• A minimum of five (5) years of successful teaching experience in the content area relevant to the teacher candidate's placement

• Recent professional experience in TK-12 school settings where the curriculum aligns with California's adopted content standards and frameworks

• Experience observing and coaching pre-service teachers in TK-12 school settings

• Experience conducting one-on-one advising sessions with teacher candidates via Zoom and/or in person

• 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.

Required Authorization of Information Release may be found here. Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application.

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 (https://cie.ucmerced.edu/analytics-hub/student-statistics), 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.