Career Center

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

Job Summary:
The Wellness Educator will be responsible for contributing to the design of an instructional program to promote students’ mental and physical health. In addition to creating wellness lessons, the Wellness Educator will devise programs to inculcate healthy behaviors in students’ normal routines.
As a leader during the early years of Geffen Academy at UCLA, the Wellness Educator will need to possess teaching and entrepreneurial skills. Geffen Academy at UCLA has a wellness program that is unique and is striving to be a model for how other schools can teach students about mental health. It is an exciting and important endeavor.

Core Functions & Duties:
• Collaborate with the Wellness Director and other educators in creation of the Geffen Academy wellness program that meets the need and interests of the Geffen Academy’s students
• Develop, organize, implement, and evaluate appropriate program of wellness lessons in accordance with the stages of human development including mental health, physical health, healthy sexuality, healthy relationships, identity formation and affirmative consent
• Evaluate and choose books, digital materials, experiential opportunities and other academic resources
• Provide safety instruction to students and establish standards of safe student behavior
• Co-facilitate the Mental Health Teacher Training Institute each summer
• Communicate any concerns with student health, conduct or learning problems with parents and the administration
• Represent Geffen Academy’s wellness program at parent evenings, recruitment events and conferences
• 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
• 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
•This list of duties is not exhaustive. Department Chairs 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

• A Master's degree in public health, psychology, physiology, or a related field is preferred
• A successful track record working with secondary school students and teaching social emotional learning lessons
• A clear understanding and embrace of Geffen Academy’s mission, vision and values
• Mastery of health and wellness pedagogy
• An excellent record of establishing and maintaining safety in a secondary school setting
• Strong background in secondary education with a clear understanding and embrace of Geffen Academy’s mission, vision, and values
• A joyful embrace of teaching
• The ability to think and act strategically combined with a strong commitment to providing an excellent experience 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 from other parts of UCLA and the Geffen Academy staff on matters of interdisciplinary and institutional concern