Part-Time Instructors - PK-3 (Fall 2026)

The Teacher Preparation Program (TPP) at PACE (Professional and Continuing Education) invites applications for part-time PK-3 Instructors to teach in the Preliminary PK-3 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist Instruction Credential Program. Instructors will facilitate coursework in a hybrid format, including online synchronous instruction via Zoom and in-person classes held in the San Joaquin Valley region.

PK-3 Instructors prepare future early childhood educators to implement developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and culturally responsive instruction for children in preschool through grade three. Instruction will be aligned with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) PK-3 ECE Teaching Performance Expectations (TPEs) and program standards.

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

* Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Curriculum & Instruction, or a closely related field.

* Minimum of three years of PK-3 classroom teaching experience in a public or private setting.

* 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 teaching.
• 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.
  * Demonstrated knowledge of California's Preschool Learning Foundations, CA ELA/ELD
  and Math Frameworks, and culturally responsive pedagogy.
  * Ability to facilitate learning in both online synchronous and in-person instructional
  formats

* Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field.

* Experience in teacher education or adult learning.

* Familiarity with the California Teaching Performance Assessment (TPA) and PK-3 credentialing requirements.

* Bilingual proficiency (especially in Spanish) is highly desirable.

• 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.