Job Abstract

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
Under the direction of the Wellness Department Chair at Geffen Academy and the relevant Division Director, the Wellness Educator will be responsible for the delivery of a meaningful program of secondary school instruction. The program includes 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. Educators should also be committed to deepening their own knowledge in each of these areas. Candidates should be broadly competent and be able to teach a variety of courses. This is a bargaining unit covered position.

Geffen Academy seeks a Wellness Educator that is able to teach a variety of courses for students in grades 6-12, as well as teach an Advanced Capstone Psychology class using curricular resources that include a Psychology 101 textbook, assessments, projects, and a final project that captures a student’s ability to summarize their learning. They will be responsible for contributing to the design of an instructional program to promote students’ mental and physical health. In addition to creating wellness curricula including curriculum maps, unit and lesson plans, the Wellness Educator will devise programs to inculcate healthy behaviors in students’ normal routines. Geffen Academy at UCLA has a wellness program that is unique and strives to be a model for how other schools can teach students about mental health.

Core Duties and Functions
• Develop and implement robust wellness curricula including curriculum maps, pacing guides, unit plans and lesson plans that appropriately address key topics such as mental health, physical health, healthy sexuality, healthy relationships and affirmative consent in developmentally appropriate ways
• Evaluate and choose books, digital materials, and other academic resources.
• Evaluate the efficacy of wellness curricula over time and use that data to inform refinement and revision of curriculum and consistent with department leadership’s direction, assess the continued relevance and success of course offerings within the department
• Provide safety instruction to students and establish standards of safe student behavior
• Communicate any concerns with student health, conduct or learning problems with parents/caregivers and the administration
• Consistent with department leadership’s direction, collaborate with relevant UCLA faculty in devising programs that enable Geffen Academy’s students to take advantage of Geffen Academy’s relationship with a research university operating at the cutting edge of knowledge creation
• Participate in department representation at parent/caretaker evenings and recruitment events
• Participate in interdisciplinary instructional programs.
• Consistent with department leadership’s direction, serve as instructors/mentors/advisers of students’ independent projects
• Engage in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities
• Orient new educators and establish appropriate mentoring relationships
• Meet as needed with the department
• Participate in continuing professional development and training activities.
• Be available to provide proper coverage of instructional work for both scheduled and unscheduled absences of colleagues
• Be available to students and parents/caregivers for any and all department related issues
• Supervise students as needed
• Assist in facilitating Geffen Academy’s Mental Health Education Institute
• Follow and adhere to UCLA and Geffen Academy policies, procedures, norms, and handbooks as directed
• 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

• A Master's degree in education, public health, psychology, physiology, or a related field is preferred
• A successful track record working with secondary school students, developing and teaching social emotional learning lessons.
• Strong background in secondary education with a clear understanding and embrace of Geffen Academy’s mission, vision, and values
• Mastery of health and wellness pedagogy
• Experience teaching an introductory Psychology class
• An excellent record of establishing and maintaining safety in a secondary school setting
• 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

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government 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 University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy, please visit https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-035.pdf.

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.