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 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 educators seek to create trusting and caring relationships with their students and with their larger community.

Job Summary
Under the direction of the Science department at the Geffen Academy at UCLA, 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 excellent instruction to the Geffen Academy’s students in as many as three (3) courses each term, and participating in the life of the Geffen Academy in a robust and fully engaged manner. This is a bargaining unit covered position.

The Geffen Academy seeks an educator with a physics background to teach core science classes for the 11th- 12th grade and multiple concentration (elective) courses. This is an excellent opportunity for a progressive science educator to join a new school implementing a challenging curriculum that seeks to integrate and collaborate with other disciplines. The Geffen Academy’s location on the UCLA campus offers unparalleled opportunities for students to experience science in a world-class research institution.

Core Duties and Functions
• Assist the Head of School and Admissions team with student recruitment activities
• Collaborate with other educators in the creation of a Geffen Academy program that meets the need and interests of the Geffen Academy’s students
• Consistent with department leadership’s direction, collaborate with relevant UCLA faculty in devising programs that enable the Geffen Academy’s students to take advantage of the Geffen Academy’s relationship with a research university operating at the cutting edge of knowledge creation
•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 the department head, Dean of Students, academic advising and college guidance staff, Registrar, and athletic team coaches
• Participate in department representation at parent evenings and recruitment events
• Assess the continued relevance and success of course offerings within the department
• Participate in committee work, whether the committee’s focus is solely within the department or reaches to other parts of the Geffen Academy enterprise
• Consistent with department leadership’s direction, participate in interdisciplinary instructional programs
• Serve as instructors/mentors/advisers of students’ independent projects
• Consistent with Geffen Academy leadership’s direction, engage in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities
• Orient new educators and establish appropriate mentoring relationships
• Meet as needed and directed with the department
• Consistent with department leadership’s direction, participate in continuing professional development and/or training activities
• Be available to provide proper coverage of instructional work for both scheduled and unscheduled absences of colleagues
• Adhere to Geffen Academy and the University of California 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. 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
• 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.
In addition, candidates should have;
• A sincere commitment to professional development in pedagogy and content area
• A passionate commitment to science and a desire to work with all types of learners
• Proven ability to develop curricula and teach effectively using inquiry-based learning