Science 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 Science Department Chair at Geffen Academy at UCLA, the Geffen Academy Science Educator 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 exciting and engaging instruction to Geffen Academy's students in as many as five (5) courses each term, and participating in the life of 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 Chemistry, Physics or other Science disciplines that would be proficient to teach core secondary science classes and concentration (elective) courses. This is a great opportunity for a science educator to join our school and develop a challenging curriculum that seeks to integrate and collaborate with other disciplines. Geffen Academy's location on the UCLA campus offers unparalleled opportunities for students to experience science in a world class research institution.

Job Duties:

* Consistent with department leadership's direction, collaborate with other Educators in creating the Geffen Academy program that meets the needs and interests of Geffen Academy's students.

* 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, digital materials, experiential opportunities such as museum visits, research collaborations, lab tours, and other academic resources.

* Communicate information about student progress to relevant student services colleagues, including but not limited to Department Chairs, Dean of Students, Academic Advising and College Guidance staff, Academic Deans, Registrar, Student Counselors, and the Athletics team.

* Participate in department 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.

* Consistent with the Geffen Academy leadership's direction, 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.

* Be available to students and parents for any and all department related issues.

* 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.

* Assist the Head of School and Admissions Director in student recruitment activities.

* This list of duties is not exhaustive.

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

* An undergraduate degree in chemistry, physics, or a related science field; advanced degree preferred.

* Strong background in secondary education with a clear understanding and embrace of Geffen Academy's mission, vision, and values

* Two - three years of secondary teaching experience and the ability to create inquiry/phenomena-based curriculum for middle and upper school students

* Multidisciplinary experience and the versatility to teach a combination of biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science, as well as an interest in helping to design more integrated science classes in the future

* A sincere commitment to professional development in pedagogy and your 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

* 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 would be a plus

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

References will be checked 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/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy, please visit https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-035.pdf.

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

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, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "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.
• 
  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