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 teachers seek to create trusting and caring relationships with their students and with their larger community.
Job Summary Under the direction of the Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair at Geffen Academy at UCLA and the relevant division director(s), Geffen Academy Educators will be responsible for the design and delivery of an excellent Ceramics and or Sculpture program of secondary school instruction, including participation in the creation of a course of study, offering excellent 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.
Core Duties and Functions • Consistent with department leadership’s direction, collaborate with other Educators in creation of a Geffen Academy program that meets the need and interests of the school’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 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 and other academic resources. Participate in decisions related to the equipment and supplies necessary for ceramic and sculpture classes. • 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, Registrar, and athletic team coaches • Participate in department representation at parent evenings and recruitment events • Consistent with department leadership’s direction, 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 • Consistent with department leadership’s direction, serve as instructors/mentors/advisers of students’ independent projects • Consistent with 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 • 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
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Document requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
Statement of Research (Optional)
Statement of Teaching
Statement on Contributions to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - An EDI Statement describes a faculty candidate’s past, present, and future (planned) contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion. To learn more about how UCLA thinks about contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion, please review our EDI Statement FAQ document.
As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs – With Updated Interim Amendments. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine Primary Series or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, Religious Objection, and/or Deferral based on pregnancy or recent COVID-19 diagnosis and/or treatment) no later than the applicable deadline. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of receiving the most recent CDC-recommended COVID-19 booster or properly decline such booster no later than the applicable deadline. New University of California employees should refer to Exhibit 2, Section II.C. of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Attachment for applicable deadlines. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of being Up-To-Date on seasonal influenza vaccination or properly decline such vaccination no later than the applicable deadline. Please refer to the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program Attachment. (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.) Federal, state, or local public health 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 complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, see: UC Nondiscrimination & Affirmative Action Policy.
The successful candidate should have a Master’s degree in Fine Arts/ Sculpture. Preferably they should be a practicing artist in the field of Three Dimensional Arts: Ceramics /Sculpture. The candidate should be broadly competent and able to teach a variety of courses in three dimensional arts and in a secondary school curriculum; should be comfortable with both formal and content-based approaches; and should possess a strong knowledge of the arts that is informed by current thinking on the field. The candidate should have a strong background in secondary education with a clear understanding and embrace of the Geffen Academy’s mission, vision, and values. A record of outstanding success as a secondary or university educator. 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 Geffen Academy staff on matters of interdisciplinary and institutional concern. Experience in a variety of instructional and co-curricular/extracurricular roles within a secondary school is a plus.
