Part-Time Middle School English Educator

Geffen Academy educators approach teaching as an intellectual profession, 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 English Department Chair at Geffen Academy and the relevant division director, 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 Geffen Academy’s students in as many as four (4) 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 English 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. Candidates should be broadly competent and be able to teach a variety of courses, with a particular interest teaching middle school.

Job Duties
• Consistent with department leadership’s direction, collaborate with other educators in the creation and implementation of an academic program that meets the needs 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 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, 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 Geffen Academy leadership’s direction, engage in co-curricular and extracurricular activities.
• Consistent with department leadership’s direction, orient new educators and establish appropriate mentoring relationships.
• Meet as needed with the department.
• Consistent with department leadership’s direction, participate in ongoing professional development/training activities.
• Be available to provide coverage of instructional work for both scheduled and unscheduled absences of colleagues.
• A Geffen Educator’s workload may vary from term to term and year to year.
• 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.
• 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.
• This list of duties is not exhaustive.