Part-Time Instructors- PK-3 Credential (ECE/Child Development BackgroundRequired) (AY 26-27)

University of California - Merced; Merced (CA); Hybrid; USD 14,000 - 56,000; Part time

Job summary

University of California - Merced seeks part-time PK-3 instructors to teach in the Preliminary PK-3 ECE Credential Program. Courses are delivered in a hybrid format, combining online Zoom sessions with in-person classes in the San Joaquin Valley region.

Instructors prepare future teachers to deliver developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and culturally responsive instruction aligned with CTC PK-3 ECE TPEs and program standards.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of PK-3 classroom teaching experience in a public or private setting.
• Experience in teacher education or adult learning.
• Familiarity with the California Teaching Performance Assessment (TPA) and PK-3 credentialing requirements.
• Current knowledge of the content relevant to early childhood and PK-3 teaching.
• Knowledge of California content standards and CSTPs.
• Ability to support teacher candidates in developing an equitable and inclusive learning environment.
• Knowledge of culturally responsive pedagogy and diversity.

Responsibilities

• Teach PK-3 courses in a hybrid format (online synchronous via Zoom and in-person).
• Prepare future early childhood educators to implement developmentally appropriate, inclusive instruction.
• Align instruction with CTC PK-3 ECE Teaching Performance Expectations and program standards.

Skills

Teaching experience PK-3

Online instruction

Bilingual: Spanish desirable

Education

Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

Tools

Zoom

Learning management systems

Job description

Position overview

Position title:Part-Time Instructor, PK-3

Salary range:An estimated range for this position is $1,250 - $5,000 with compensation determined based on number of units per course

Anticipated start:August 2026 through July 2027

Position duration:Beginning August 2026 through July 2027

Application Window

Open date: May 25, 2026

Most recent review date: Wednesday, Jul 15, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Tuesday, May 25, 2027 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 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.

Potential courses expected to teach:
X320- Foundations of Education for PK-3 (3 units)
X321- Education and the Inclusive Classroom (2 units)
X322- Child Development and Learning: Concepts through PK-3 (2 units)
X323- Health and Wellness: Education the Whole Child (2 units)
X332- Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity (2 units)
X331- STEAM in the P-TK Classroom (3 units)

Program:

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

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

Minimum of five (5) years of PK-3 classroom teaching experience in a public or private setting.

Experience in teacher education or adult learning.

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

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 support teacher candidates in developing an educational philosophy that fosters equitable and inclusive learning environments

Knowledge of California content standards (relevant to Teacher Preparation courses)

Knowledge of the California Teaching Performance Expectations (TPEs)

Knowledge of the California Standards of the Teaching Profession (CSTPs)

Knowledge of current educational theory and practice

Demonstrated experience using effective support strategies for English learners and students with diverse learning needs

Experience with online instruction, including use of learning management systems and Zoom

Preferred qualifications

A valid California Clear Credential with English Learner Authorization or CLAD (A terminal degree-e.g., Ph.D., Ed.D., or J.D.-may be substituted for the credential)

An active CTC-issued Child Development permit at a Site Supervisor level or higher

Eight (8) or more years of experience in teaching, leadership, or clinical practice within TK-12 educational settings

Original research or scholarly work in the relevant content area

Experience serving as an Academic Coach or Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) in the appropriate content area

Demonstrated pedagogical expertise, strong content knowledge, and effective communication skills

Understanding and appreciation of the cultural and linguistic diversity of students in the San Joaquin Valley

Bilingual proficiency (especially in Spanish) is highly desirable.

Understanding and creating digital accessibility for education documents

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.

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

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

About UC Merced

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: Affi…

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.

Job location

Merced, CA, or hybrid or remote