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 2026 As early as January 2027 for Spring 2027
Position duration: Fall 2026 and/or Spring 2027
Application Window
Open date: July 13, 2026
Next review date: Monday, Jul 27, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Final date: Monday, May 3, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Position description
Division of Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) - UC Merced
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 2026-2027 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.
Key Responsibilities:
- 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)
Job Location: 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/
Qualifications
Basic qualifications
- Possession of a valid California Clear Credential aligned with the credential candidate is seeking.
- 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.
Preferred qualifications
- 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
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