School of Education Mentor for Clinical Practice and Internship Candidates - Dept. of Teacher Education - Azusa Pacific University

APU is seeking employees who desire to engage in our thriving culture by cultivating community through professional interactions, demonstrating a posture of lifelong learning, and modeling Christ-like character. Working together, employees at APU commit to establishing a university atmosphere that is pleasing to God and edifying to one another.

Azusa Pacific University is a comprehensive Christian university located 26 miles northeast of Los Angeles, California. As a leading Christian university in California, Azusa Pacific University grounds rigorous academics on a solid spiritual foundation. With an intentional focus on scholarship, faith integration, diversity, and internationalization, APU provides high-quality academic programs within a tight-knit community of disciples and scholars. APU is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as an R2 Doctoral University, recognizing APU’s high level of research activity. A leader in the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, APU is committed to excellence in higher education. Offering more than 100 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs on campus, online, and at seven regional locations across Southern California, APU continues to be recognized annually as one of America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report.

This is aCONTINUOUS APPLICANT POOL. Adjunct assignments are filled on an as needed basis. As a position becomes available, you may be contacted by the hiring manager should the school/college be interested in scheduling an interview.

The Division of Teacher Education invites applications for Mentor positions for Clinical Practice. The School of Education Mentor supports candidates by providing on-going formative feedback and evaluations to further the development of the candidate's professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for the effective instruction of all K-12 students. SPECIFIC NEED for University Mentors with expertise in Special Education and for University Mentors with expertise in any credential area in High Desert, Murrieta, and San Diego.

Responsibilities

Through the development of a mentoring relationship, the School of Education Mentor supports and mentors candidates in the field and oversees the submission of clinical practice and intern documentation and evaluations by the teacher candidates and/or interns to verify teacher candidate competency. The School of Education Mentor will:

• Assist in the orientation of the teacher candidate and Intern candidate, Master Teacher, and site administrator to the Azusa Pacific University student teaching program (e.g., discuss handbook, review responsibilities, acquaint them with the evaluations, deadlines, and the procedures for submitting forms.)
• Visit assigned teacher candidates regularly during K-12 school hours, a minimum of six (6) in the classroom visits per semester. A minimum of three (3) visits must take place each term (8 week terms). During these visits, the University Mentor provides systematic feedback to the teacher candidate by conducting a pre-conference, helping the teacher candidate select an area of focus for classroom observation, and examining all aspects of a lesson plan. Following the observation, the University Mentor conducts a post-conference with the teacher candidate about the data collected during the observation. The University Mentor leads the teacher candidate in the process of analysis and reflection on his/her teaching and its impact on student learning.
• Schedule and maintain weekly communication and support sessions with the mentee. These may consist of phone conferences, Skype, or Google Hangout sessions, or other modes of effective communication. Be regularly available by phone and email to provide support, answer questions, and mediate issues from teacher candidates and Master Teachers.
• Evaluate the teacher candidate on an on-going basis and provide objective documentation to support the assessment of specific areas of the teacher candidate’s knowledge, dispositions, and performances. Complete a summative evaluation and recommend grade that reflects the teacher candidate’s experience at the conclusion of each 8-week session.
• Encourage responsibility and creativity in the clinical practice and/ or Intern experience.
• Create and maintain a professional, friendly relationship with the teacher candidate and Master Teacher. Confer regularly with the Master Teacher about the progress, areas of needed growth, areas of improvement, and areas of strength of the teacher candidate. Guide and advise the Master Teacher in providing the teacher candidate with constructive and beneficial feedback to enhance the student teaching or Intern teaching experience.
• Model a Christian perspective and attitude in the mentoring role to teacher candidates, Master Teachers, and school staff.
• Have technological expertise sufficient to complete timely required evaluations via the APU School of Education’s web-based system and to offer support to teacher candidates on the integration of educational technology in their lesson plans and instructional strategies.
• Attend all on-campus mentor training and professional development meetings, which are held several times per semester.
• Perform other duties as assigned or requested.
• This position is subject to guidelines found in the APU Adjunct Faculty Handbook
• Responsible for daily electronic timekeeping as it applies to the scope of this position.

Qualifications

• Applicants are expected to have an earned master’s degree in Education (or highly related field).
• Multiple Subject/ Single Subject Clear credential or Educational Specialist Clear credential (Mild to Moderate, Moderate to Severe) or the equivalent. Individuals with Administrative Services Credentials who have at least
• Evidence of mentoring/ coaching beginning teachers preferred.
• A demonstrated, vibrant Christian faith compatible with the mission of Azusa Pacific University (faculty members are required to sign a “Statement of Faith,” available at http://www.apu.edu/about/believe, and to adhere to the policies outlined in the Faculty Handbook).
• Minimum 5-10 years in successful classroom teaching experience.
• Exemplary communication skills (both written and oral).
• Highly developed organizational and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated computer competency, knowledge of relevant systems, and willingness to learn computer programs used in the mentoring programs.
• Experience teaching in urban environments is highly desirable.
• Some local travel required. Must have transportation and valid California Driver’s License.

Workload

Varies by case load.

• Assigned mentoring duties will not exceed 9 units per semester; office hours and additional duties may be assigned. Total workload will not exceed 29 hours per week, nor 24 units per 12-month period.

Mental Demands

• Demonstrates knowledge of current, national, state, and local trends in education to ensure that clinical practice and induction experiences remain aligned to best practices in the field.
• Strong analytical, problem solving, time management and organization skills.
• A successful record of collaboration and commitment to a team-based approach.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage confidential information.
• A demonstrated, vibrant Christian faith compatible with the mission of Azusa Pacific University.

Compensation

$25.32 - $27.32/hour (Using a 3 unit full semester appointment as a pay guide). The actual hourly rate will be determined by the units, course length, experience, and rank of the candidate. Adjuncts are paid on an hourly basis which includes preparation and teaching time.

Azusa Pacific University is a Christ-centered, multicultural community that values and seeks faculty and staff who are committed to diversity, work effectively with diverse populations, and engage others in ways that honor our rich cultural mosaic and biblical foundation.Please click the links to learn more about 'what we believe', our 'mission statement', and our 'statement of faith'.

You can learn more about APU by watching the stories of faculty, staff, and alumni as they carry out our mission here:http://www.apu.edu/stories/

Azusa Pacific University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Regional Campuses

Please specify if you are interested in teaching at one of the following locations:

High Desert, Inland Empire, Los Angeles, Murrieta, Orange County, or San Diego