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Geffen Academy Educator -- English-Reading

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Position description

Geffen Academy faculty approach teaching as an intellectual profession of the highest order, one in which knowledge is not only transmitted but created. Geffen Academy teachers possess a sophisticated and reflective understanding of their discipline and a record of achievement which demonstrates their ability to utilize and contribute to the robust connections we have with UCLA, a world-class research institution. Teachers’ innovation is guided by our school’s mission to prioritize proven educational practices while also recognizing that teaching is a complex intellectual endeavor that defies rigid codification. We are committed to a humane working environment and also recognize that teaching goes beyond the life of the mind. Geffen Academy teachers seek to create trusting and caring relationships with their students and with their larger community.
Summary: Under the direction of the head of the relevant academic department(s) at Geffen Academy and the relevant division director(s), Geffen Academy Educators will be responsible for both the delivery of an excellent program of secondary school instruction – including participation in the creation of a course of study – and the expansion of the school’s independent reading program. This position is split evenly between classroom teaching and work supporting the Elective Reading program. The Educator will offer instruction to the Academy’s students in two (2) courses each term, will flexibly support the changing needs of our Elective Reading program, and will participate in the life of the Academy in a robust and fully engaged manner. This is a bargaining unit covered position.
The curriculum at Geffen Academy consists in discipline-specific English/Language arts courses, interdisciplinary collaborations, and a school-wide independent reading program. This position is intended to serve as a bridge between these areas as well as an individual resource for students with reading needs.
In terms of classroom instruction, candidate should be prepared to teach a variety of English/Language Arts/ Humanities courses for students in grades 6-12, but a demonstrated excellence in middle school instruction is strongly preferred.
The Position: Geffen Academy Educator in the English department(s).
Job Duties
● Consistent with department leadership’s direction, collaborate with other faculty in creation and implementation of an academic program that meets the needs and interests of the Academy’s students
● Consistent with department leadership’s direction, collaborate with relevant UCLA faculty in devising programs that enable the Academy’s students to take advantage of the its relationship with a research university operating at the cutting edge of knowledge creation
● Consistent with department leadership’s direction, evaluate and choose books (for both classroom and Elective Reading library), digital materials, experiential opportunities, and other academic resources
● Communicate information about student progress to relevant student services colleagues, including but not limited to department head, Dean of Students, academic advising and college guidance staff, Academic Coordinator, Registrar, counselor/psychologist, and athletic team coaches
● Participate in department representation at parent evenings and recruitment events
● Consistent with department leadership’s direction, assess the successful integration of department course offerings and the Elective Reading program
● Participate in committee work, within both the department and across Geffen Academy
● Consistent with department leadership’s direction, participate in interdisciplinary instructional programs
● Consistent with Academy leadership’s direction, engage in co-curricular and extracurricular activities
● Consistent with department leadership’s and Chief Strategy and Information Officer’s direction, design and manage digital tools for tracking students’ participation in Elective Reading initiative
● Consistent with department leadership’s direction, collaborate with UCLA GSE&IS researchers and/or other scholars on Independent Reading research
● Consistent with department leadership’s direction, collaborate with English department faculty and Geffen Academy Educators to assess and improve the Elective Reading initiative
● Design and implement a process for supporting and assessing students who need additional resources in reading
● Meet individually, or in small groups, with students with demonstrated reading needs
● Collaborate with Bruincorps to develop a broader network of reading support
● Communicate information about Independent Reading research and best practices with Geffen Academy Educators
● Work individually with students who have particular educational or emotional needs that affect their reading abilities
● Meet as needed with the department
● Consistent with department leadership’s direction, participate in ongoing professional development activities
● Be available to provide coverage of instructional work for both scheduled and unscheduled absences of colleagues
● Be available to students and parents for any and all department related issues
● This list of duties is not exhaustive. Department heads will be expected to assure that all aspects of the Geffen Academy program within the ambit of their disciplines is led by capable staff who are carefully supervised and appropriately compensated
● A Geffen Educator’s workload may vary from term to term and year to year. Each Geffen Academy Educator’s annual contract will reflect the workload anticipated for the time covered by the contract. Teaching or other duties beyond those set forth in a contract may lead to additional compensation

Qualifications: The successful candidate should have a Master’s degree in a related field and a strong background in secondary education with a clear understanding and embrace of the Academy’s mission, vision, and values. A record of outstanding success as a secondary educator, proven research skills, and a clear vision of how to develop and sustain a culture of reading at Geffen Academy. Experience in a “bring your own device” educational setting and/or commitment to BYOD program and an interest in exploring how to leverage technology to support reading. Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communications skills to articulate and explain instructional issues to colleagues, students, and families. Must be self-directed and able to effectively prioritize and handle multiple tasks subject to frequent interruption. Must be capable of developing and sustaining close, effective working relationships with colleagues in the department and from other parts of UCLA and of the Academy staff on matters of interdisciplinary and institutional concern. Experience in a variety of instructional and co-curricular/extra-curricular roles within a secondary school would be a plus.

Apply online at https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/apply/JPF03483 . The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: UC Nondiscrimination & Affirmative Action Policy

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement of Teaching

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity - Statement addressing past and/or potential contributions to diversity through research, teaching, and/or service.
    (Optional)

  • Additional teaching materials - In addition to a course syllabus please submit some other teaching materials, of your choosing, that reflect your approach to teaching and your work with students.

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 required (contact information only)

Job location

Los Angeles, CA