Mentor Teacher - Special Education Residency Program (Eligibility Tool)

MENTOR TEACHER - SPECIAL EDUCATION

RESIDENCY PROGRAM

ELIGIBILITY POOL

DESCRIPTION

The Special Education Mentor Teacher plays a critical role in developing future Education Specialists through the Glendale Unified School District (GUSD) - Loyola Marymount University (LMU) Teacher Residency Program. Mentor teachers provide structured coaching, modeling, and supervision to resident teachers while supporting high-quality instructional practices, inclusive services, and compliance with special education standards. Resident teachers are paired with a mentor teacher and participate in clinical practice within the mentor teacher's classroom three days per week (Tuesday�Thursday). 

This role is essential in building district capacity, strengthening special education services, and preparing skilled Education Specialists aligned to GUSD priorities, LMU's social justice mission, and state credentialing standards.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

An earned bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

Credential

Valid California Clear Mild/Moderate Education Specialist Credential and Autism Authorization 

Experience

To be considered for the position of Mentor Teacher, each applicant must meet the following criteria:

1. Must be a credentialed permanent Special Education classroom teacher with at least three years of experience as an elementary or secondary special education classroom teacher with the District.
2. Must demonstrate exemplary:

• teaching
• grade level and/or subject matter knowledge, and knowledge of current California State Standards
• communication and interpersonal skills
• organizational skills
• mastery of teaching strategies necessary to meet the needs of pupils in varying contexts

1. Demonstrated expertise in:
   1. IEP development and implementation
   2. Differentiated instruction
   3. Behavior intervention and support systems
   4. Progress monitoring and data analysis
   5. Compliance with state, federal, and district requirements
2. Most recent overall summary evaluation rate of "Meets Standards"
3. Willingness to coach and collaborate
4. Must be collaborative and demonstrate the ability, willingness, and flexibility to meet candidate needs for support
5. Schools will be selected based on District staffing needs, Special Education vacancy alignment, and eligibility for residents to qualify for the federal/state TEACH Grant
6. Complete reporting requirements

WORK YEAR

Regular school year with renewable annual terms.

COMPENSATION

Mentor Teachers will be compensated $3,761 stipend per Resident Teacher. Additional days during the summer shall be paid at the per diem rate.

RELEASE TIME

For the Special Education Teacher Residency Program, each Mentor Teacher shall receive three (3) days of release time, which shall be used for the purpose of completing reporting requirements by Loyola Marymount University, Glendale Unified School District, and/or the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Special Education Mentor Teachers must demonstrate:

1. Deep commitment to developing future special education teachers
2. Strong belief in the dignity, potential, and success of students with disabilities
3. Dedication to equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive educational practices
4. Commitment to GUSD's mission, LMU's teacher preparation framework, and IDEA principles
5. Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including:
   1. General education teachers
   2. Paraeducators
   3. Related service providers
   4. Families
   5. Administrators
6. Willingness to participate in ongoing mentor training, calibration, and professional inquiry cycles
7. Willingness to co-plan and co-teach
8. Model effective instructional and case management practices
9. Coaching residents in IEP development, progress monitoring, and compliance timelines
10. Supporting participation in IEP meetings
11. Providing frequent, actionable feedback
12. Implementing a gradual release model to build resident competence
13. Fulfilling reporting requirements and attending professional development as required by Glendale Unified School District, Loyola Marymount University, and/or the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

1. Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and manage time.
2. Maintains a positive attitude towards students, learning, and teaching.
3. Ability to observe and evaluate student activities and instructional practices.
4. Ability to cope with multiple tasks.
5. Ability to drive to sites to communicate and meet with staff and students.
6. Knowledge of, and ability to use, computer-based programs.
7. Ability to communicate effectively by providing clear, concise instruction using academic language.
8. Ability to listen without bias and provide appropriate feedback.
9. Ability to demonstrate proficiency in written and oral English.
10. Knowledge of methods for effective collaboration and the ability to work collaboratively with all stakeholders.
11. Ability to work effectively with all racial, ethnic, linguistic, economic, and disability groups.
12. Demonstrate understanding, patience, and approachability toward students, parents, and colleagues.
13. Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication and problem-solving skills.
14. Oral and written proficiency in a second language preferred.

SUPERVISION

Under the direct supervision of the Induction Program Coordinator 

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

1. Application Materials

All applicants must:

- Submit a completed Application, a personal resume not to exceed two (2) pages typed, and respond to the questions provided in the application.

- Note: Upon submission of your application, a reference form will be sent to your current principal/supervisor. 

2. Application Submission Deadline

All application materials must be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026 via the Frontline platform. Paper applications will not be accepted.

If you have any questions, contact:

Rebecca Mieliwocki, Coordinator, [email protected]

1. Personal Interviews

Selected applicants must be available for an interview.

1. Candidates will be notified of their selection for the pool of Mentor Teachers