Skip to main content

Geffen Academy Educator --English

We are no longer accepting applications for this recruitment. Browse open recruitments

Position description

Middle School English Educator

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 the delivery of an excellent program of secondary school instruction, including participation in the creation of a course of study, offering instruction to the Academy’s students in as many as five (5) courses each term, and participating in a the life of the Academy in a robust and fully engaged manner. This is a bargaining unit covered position.
The curriculum at Geffen Academy presents a multi-faceted exploration of literature, the language arts, and the humanities. We seek to develop students’ abilities to make reasoned judgments and to communicate them effectively through a variety of genres to a range of audiences. Teachers should be comfortable with both formal and historical approaches and should possess a strong knowledge of language that is informed by current thinking on the topic. Teachers should also be committed to deepening their own knowledge in each of these areas.
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 essential.
The Position: Geffen Academy Educator in the English department(s).
Job Duties
● Consistent with department leadership’s direction, collaborate with other faculty in the 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, 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
● 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 department leadership’s direction, mentor and advise students as they develop and pursue independent projects
● Consistent with Academy leadership’s direction, engage in co-curricular and extracurricular activities
● Consistent with department leadership’s direction, orient new faculty and establish appropriate mentoring relationships

● 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. Experience in a “bring your own device” educational setting and/or commitment to BYOD program. 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/JPF03484 . 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.
    (Optional)

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

Job location

Los Angeles, CA