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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. 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 educators seek to create trusting and caring relationships with their students and with their larger community.

Job Summary:
The History and Social Studies Department Chair is responsible for the design of an excellent program of secondary school instruction. This work requires expertise in History; in History pedagogy; and in dedication, enthusiasm, flexibility, and creativity. In addition to being a master educator, the History and Social Studies Department Chair will lead in the delivery of a course of study that takes advantage of the school’s partnership with an eminent research university. The Department Chair will direct the recruitment of a team of educators with complementary skills and areas of expertise, so that the department offers a rich educational program responsive to the needs and interests of the school’s students.

The History curriculum at Geffen Academy presents a multi-faceted exploration of history, government, civics, and other social science disciplines. The department addresses the Hegelian concern about the study of the past by offering a curriculum that not only teaches history but also encourages students to use the knowledge gleaned from their studies to become informed, active global citizens. In that manner, Geffen Academy students will be able to utilize their understanding of the past to tackle the problematic aspects of the world in which they live, and hopefully avoid the pitfalls that occur when the important lessons of history are ignored. The curriculum is designed to foster skills in reading, writing, class discussion, and critical thinking, as well as to introduce students to the stories of various civilizations in many parts of the world. At the same time, departmental courses contend with the idea of history, examining why we study the events that occurred and what those processes reveal about contemporary times. Avoiding the fallacy that the past repeats itself exactly in the future, the curriculum presumes that a well-informed citizenry can only participate meaningfully in today’s polity with a knowledge of history and the various ways it can be interpreted. Accordingly, students will learn to deconstruct prevailing narratives by grappling with the historiographical debates endemic to the discipline. They will discover that history is often written by “the winners,” a reality that reveals the dynamics and structures of power throughout the world.

The History Department Chair is 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 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.

Core Functions & Duties:
• Collaborate with other educators and Department Chairs in the creation of and revisions to a school program that meets the need and interests of the school’s students
• Assist the Head of School and Admissions Director in student recruitment activities
• Evaluate and choose books, digital materials, experiential opportunities such as museum visits and theatrical performances, and other academic resources
• Prepare and analyze the History and Social Studies curriculum in the context of University of California course approval requirements, the needs of the students, and the anticipated expectations of accrediting agencies
• Recruit and interview candidates for available positions within the department
• Regularly report to the Dean of Faculty and Head of School on the professional performance of department staff
• Communicate information about student progress to relevant student services colleagues
• Reevaluate course offerings within the department
• Coordinate department representation at parent evenings and recruitment events
Coordinate interdisciplinary instructional programs
• Orient new educators and establish appropriate mentoring relationships for all department members
• Assign course responsibilities within the department
• Plan and organize meetings with the department and with grade-level teaching teams
• Evaluate department members in coordination with the appropriate Division Head and Dean of Faculty; propose continuing professional development activities for department colleagues based on assessments of their areas of strength and challenge
• Be available for personal and professional guidance to all educators in the department
• Arrange proper coverage of instructional work for both scheduled and unscheduled absences of department members
• Recommend to Academic Advisors the most suitable course(s) in the department for students
• Oversee and manage departmental budget
• Be available to students and parents for any and all department related issues

 A mastery of History and Social Studies as an academic discipline
• Master’s degree required
• A mastery of History and Social Studies pedagogy, both as a teacher and as a manager
• A strong background in secondary education with a clear understanding and embrace of the school’s mission, vision, and values
• A record of outstanding success as a secondary educator
• A joyful embrace of teaching
• Experience in a “bring your own device” educational setting and/or commitment to BYOD program
• The ability to think and act strategically combined with a strong commitment to providing an excellent educational experience in the department’s areas of instruction for each student
• 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 across the whole school
• Experience in a variety of managerial and supervisorial roles within a secondary school would be a plus.