Geffen Academy educators approach teaching as an intellectual profession of the highest order, one in which knowledge is not only transmitted but is created. Geffen Academy educators possess a sophisticated and reflective understanding of their discipline and a record of achievement. This achievement demonstrates their ability to utilize and to 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 endeavor that defies rigid codification. We are committed to a humane working environment and we 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 at UCLA and the relevant division director, Geffen Academy Educators will be responsible for the design and delivery of an excellent Computer Programming & Robotics 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.
The I-Track curriculum at Geffen Academy presents a multi-faceted exploration of Engineering, Robotics and Computer programming. The Educator will continue to establish the robotics team to compete in VEX Robotics competitions. The Educator will contribute to the longevity of the program by helping to build excitement in robotics at the school and recruiting new team members. The Educator will manage the team budget in coordination with the I-Track Department Chair. The Educator should also be committed to deepening their own knowledge in each of these areas. The Educator should be broadly competent and be able to teach a variety of courses.
Core Duties and Functions
• Provide multi-format equipment and use instruction
• Collaborate with other departments on cross-curriculum design and delivery
• Collaborate with I-Track department chair to further the development of the I-Track structure within the overall Geffen Academy program
• Counsel Makerspace users regarding best practices, ensuring compliance with safety, rules, and policy guidelines
• Consistent with the department’s goals participate in the design and development of curricula that helps develops an innovator’s mindset in the Geffen Academy’s students. These habits include systems thinking, human-centered design, iterative solutions development and persistence
• 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 maker space, design-thinking, communications and project-based learning within secondary schools in California and beyond
• 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
• Utilize software, to create opportunities for students to develop their skills and understanding of time management, netiquette, video chatting, business communication, Learning Management Software, components of Google Suite, database and online research
• Create opportunities for students and build excitement in robotics
• 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
