I-Track Educator

Geffen Academy Educators approach teaching as an intellectual profession of the highest order, one in which knowledge is not only transmitted but created. Geffen Academy educators 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. Educators' 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 Educators seek to create trusting and caring relationships with their students and with their larger community.

Job Summary

Under the direction of the I-Track Department Chair at Geffen Academy and the relevant division director, Geffen Academy I-Track Educators are responsible for the delivery of an excellent program of secondary school instruction, including participation in the creation of a departmental course of study, offering instruction to the Geffen Academy's students in as many as five (5) courses each term, and joining in the life of the Geffen Academy in a robust and fully engaged manner. This is a bargaining unit covered position.

Geffen Academy at UCLA is seeking an educator with a background in technology, fabrication, robotics and/or design thinking or to teach core Middle School I-Track classes with the potential to also support the High School curriculum. The role also includes participation in managing the schoolwide Makerspace. This is a great opportunity for an educator to join our school and teach a challenging curriculum that seeks to integrate and collaborate with other disciplines. Geffen Academy's location on the UCLA campus offers unparalleled opportunities for collaborative experiences for students in a world class research institution.

Core Functions & Duties

• Teach an established curriculum to Middle and High School students which offers every student the opportunity and support to engage in independent design-thinking work, centered around the Geffen Academy's mission, core values. This work includes providing instruction on use of multi-format equipment in compliance with safety standards, rules and policies established by UCLA.
• Under the direction of the I-Track Department Chair, and with other I-Track educators, support and maintain the Makerspace by identifying equipment maintenance and upgrades as needed.
• Consistent with department leadership's direction, collaborate with local cultural and educational institutions to bring students into the world beyond the doors of the Geffen Academy, aligned to student interests and work.
• Maintain an up-to-date understanding of design-thinking and project-based learning within secondary schools in California and beyond.
• Consistent with department leadership's direction, collaborate with relevant UCLA faculty in devising programs that enable Geffen Academy's students to take advantage of the school's relationship with a research university operating at the cutting edge of knowledge creation.
• Consistent with department leadership's direction, evaluate and choose books, materials, experiential opportunities and other academic resources as necessary.
• Communicate information about student progress to relevant student services colleagues, including but not limited to Department Chairs, Dean(s) of Students, Academic Advising and College Guidance staff, Academic Deans, Registrar, Student Counselors, and the Athletics team.
• Participate as departmental representation at parent evenings and recruitment events, and other school-wide events as required.
• Participate in department meetings, curriculum planning team meetings, and committee work as directed.
• Consistent with department leadership's direction, participate in interdisciplinary instructional programs.
• Consistent with department leadership's direction, serve as instructors/mentors/advisers of students' independent projects.
• Under the direction of the Geffen Academy leadership's team, engage in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities.
• Consistent with department leadership's direction, orient new Educators and establish appropriate mentoring relationships.
• Consistent with department leadership's direction, participate in continuing professional development activities.
• Be available to provide proper coverage of instructional work for both scheduled and unscheduled absences of colleagues.
• Adhere to Geffen Academy's and the University of California's applicable policies, procedures, and established protocols. Read and adhere to the school norms, protocols and requirements as outlined in the school handbooks.
• This list of duties is not exhaustive, other duties as assigned.

School: https://www.geffenacademy.ucla.edu

• An undergraduate degree in a related field is required and a strong background in secondary education with a clear understanding and embrace of Geffen Academy's mission, vision, and values. A Master's Degree is preferred.
• Two to three years of secondary teaching experience and the ability to create inquiry/phenomena-based curriculum for middle and upper school students.
• Experience working in a Makerspace/shop environment
• A sincere commitment to professional development in pedagogy and your content area.
• A passionate commitment to innovation, design and technology, and a desire to work with all types of learners.
• Proven ability to develop curricula and teach effectively using inquiry-based learning.
• Experience in a "bring your own device" educational setting and/or commitment to a BYOD program.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication 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 effective working relationships with colleagues in the department and with other UCLA and Geffen 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 is a plus.

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

References will be check before an offer is made

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
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  UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
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  UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment