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Course / Program Description
The Ethnic Studies Certificate prepares in-service, K-12 teachers to deliver content within schools, across the age span, that teaches children how to view history and contemporary issues and events from viewpoints of various ethnic groups, and to be critical of the narrow cultural lens of our current core content instruction. Teachers learn to develop and implement ethnic studies-oriented content, curriculum and materials. Teachers who take the certificate will be well prepared to meet the new state requirement that students have knowledge of ethnic studies to graduate. The program presents the nexus between research and practice to support teachers new to the teaching of Ethnic Studies. Students will examine history, literature, media, art, music, and other forms of expression through a critical Ethnic Studies lens.
Job Description
This year-long program focuses on cultivating a community of ethnic studies teachers as they develop their ethnic studies curriculum and pedagogical approaches for teaching ethnic studies at the TK-12 grade levels. Two courses are offered in-person during the summer. The second two courses are designed to augment the teacher’s content knowledge and engage in a community of practices over the course of the school year. These courses meet once a month synchronously via zoom during the school year, culminating in a final “share out” in person in May. The program consists of four 4-unit courses: Ethnic Studies K-12 Pedagogy and Praxis; Ethnic Studies Perspectives and Research; Ethnic Studies K-12 Curriculum and Course Design; Ethnic Studies Core Concepts and Content.
Instructor Duties:
The instructor will teach the course, facilitate in-depth discussions, complete all grading and respond to students in a timely manner. The instructor will be assigned a course within their skill set and provided with a syllabus. The instructor will be expected to participate in an orientation to the program. The instructor will also set up the course on Canvas LMS through a self-paced, required Canvas training. Courses 1 and 2 are in-person at the UCLA Westwood campus and include field trips. Courses 3 and 4 have regular zoom meetings.
Instructor duties include but are not limited to:
- Complete mandatory training programs by deadlines established by UCLA Extension.
- Complete required administrative tasks in a timely manner including: updating and submitting syllabi using approved syllabus template; signing termcontract(s); communicating required texts and materials; communicating classroom technology and support needs. Make appropriate adjustments tocontinually improve the syllabus, curriculum and course materials. May be based upon programmatic and/or student feedback.
- Prepare and deliver course materials, lectures/presentations, and design learning assessments.
- Design interactive and motivational classroom activities to fully engage participants and to reinforce student learning.
- Stay current within the subject, discipline or field of practice.
- Regularly and systematically collaborate with colleagues in P-12 settings, college and university units, and members of the broader educational community to improve educator preparation.
- Use subject-matter expertise and leverage additional resources appropriately to enhance the curriculum.
- Utilize course support platforms, including the Canvas Learning Management System and Zoom Pro (as applicable).
- Communicate teaching objectives and specific learning outcomes to students, and clearly outline/explain the grading policies for the course. Respond tostudent questions and learning needs in a timely manner.
- Address student questions regarding the policies and requirements for teaching credentials in California directing them to UCLA and CTC resources asnecessary.
- Employ culturally competent and inclusive teaching methodologies in the classroom (including teaching non-native speakers and/or students with academicletters of accommodations for learning disabilities).
- Evaluate student achievement of specific learning outcomes and assign grades.
- Post final student grades to the transcript system within two weeks of course completion.
- Handle student inquiries about final grades and consult with Program Director as needed.
- Retain student records according to University policies.
General Employment Information
Employment as a UCLA Extension Instructor is dictated by contract terms and conditions. Please take the time to read the UCLA Extension Instructor Employment Policies.
For information on UCLA Extension instructor benefits, please visit Pay, Benefits, & Privileges.
Access, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (AEDI) is one of UCLA Extension’s guiding principles. We strive to extend access to UCLA, our programs, and services to underrepresented communities and populations, while serving as a model organization for AEDI in the field of continuing higher education. Committed to attracting and retaining diverse staff & instructors, UCLA Extension welcomes your experiences, perspectives, and unique identity.