Science Educator- Upper School
Geffen Academy faculty 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 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 Academy’s students in as many as five (5) courses each term, and participating in the life of the Academy in a robust and fully engaged manner. This is a bargaining unit covered position.
The Geffen Academy seeks a teacher with a physics background to teach integrated science at grades 9-11. This is a unique opportunity for a progressive science educator to join a new school implementing a challenging spiral curriculum combining biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science. The Geffen Academy’s location on the UCLA campus offers unparalleled opportunities for students to experience science in a world class research institution.
Ideal candidates would have an undergraduate degree in physics, multidisciplinary experience and the versatility to teach a combination of either physics and chemistry, or physics and biology, as well as an interest in helping to design more integrated science classes in the future. Postgraduate research experience, while desirable, is not required. In addition, candidates should have
? The ability to passionately and effectively teach both Middle and Upper School science, with emphasis on Upper School science in the ‘19-’20 academic year
? 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

Core Duties and Functions
• Assist the Head of School and Admissions Director in student recruitment activities
• Consistent with department leadership’s direction, collaborate with other faculty in creation of an Academy program that meets the need and interests of the Academy’s students
• Consistent with department leadership’s direction, collaborate with relevant UCLA faculty in devising programs that enable the Academy’s students to take advantage of the Academy’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
• 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, Academic Coordinator, 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 Academy leadership’s direction, engage in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities
• Consistent with department leadership’s direction, orient new faculty and establish appropriate mentoring relationships
• Meet as needed with the department
• 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
• 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 and appropriately compensated
• 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.