Job Title:           Preservice Internship Mentor Teacher

Department:  Education
Reports to:  Chair
FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary:          $400/Semester

UNIVERSITY OVERVIEW

Washington Adventist University (WAU) is a Christ-centered institution of higher education that supports a culture of excellence where all feel valued. Nestled in a desirable residential community in Takoma Park, Maryland, WAU offers its faculty and staff an environment where professional expertise is valued, and lasting connections between co-workers are formed as we work together to ensure the success of our students.  Regardless of the title, every employee supports WAU’s vision of producing graduates who bring moral leadership and competence to their communities.

SUMMARY

A Preservice Internship Mentor Teacher plays a pivotal role in shaping and guiding aspiring educators during their internship experiences. This position offers experienced teachers the opportunity to mentor, support, and inspire preservice teachers as they bridge the gap between academic learning and classroom practice. The mentor helps intern teachers develop instructional skills, classroom management strategies, and professional dispositions necessary for a successful career in education.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Establish a supportive and trusting relationship with the intern at the beginning of the placement.
• Assign and gradually release instructional responsibilities to the intern, based on readiness and school guidelines.
• Provide regular, scheduled feedback sessions to discuss observations and set collaborative goals.
• Co-plan lessons, assessments, and differentiated activities to meet diverse student needs.
• Assist the intern in understanding school policies, procedures, and professional expectations.
• Model effective use of technology, data-driven instruction, and innovative teaching techniques.
• Support the intern in developing classroom management routines, maintaining a positive classroom climate, and addressing challenges.
• Encourage the intern to reflect on their practice, celebrate successes, and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Advocate for the intern’s access to resources and support.
• Participate in meetings, trainings, and evaluations required for internship mentors.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Current, valid teaching certification in the relevant grade level and subject area.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of successful classroom teaching experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in instructional design, assessment, and classroom management.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Prior experience mentoring, coaching, or supporting novice/student teachers (preferred).
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and reflective practice.
• Ability to build positive, supportive relationships with adult learners.
• Capacity to model culturally responsive and inclusive teaching practices

LEGAL AND COMPLIANCE NOTICES
Washington Adventist University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or disability in employment or in the provision of services. WAU complies with all applicable federal and state laws, including the Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act.
If you require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, please contact the Office of Human Resources.
Washington Adventist University provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans
with Disabilities Act and Maryland law.  As a religiously affiliated institution, Washington Adventist University exercises its constitutional and statutory rights to give preference in employment to members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and reserves the right to claim exemption from certain provisions of Title IX and Title VII where they conflict with the university’s religious beliefs and values.