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 understanding of their discipline, strong grasp pedagogy and curriculum development, 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, colleagues, and with their larger community.
Job Summary:
Under the direction of the World Languages Department Chair, the French educator will be responsible for the delivery of an excellent program of secondary school instruction, including participation in the creation of the curriculum, teaching up to two (2) courses each term, and participating in the life of the Geffen Academy in a robust and fully engaged manner. This is a bargaining unit covered position.
An ideal candidate for this position has a track record of excellence in teaching middle school and/or upper school language classes. A candidate must also possess a profound interest in collaborating with peers in the creation and implementation of a curriculum that focuses on the life of languages in Los Ángeles, is standards-based, incorporates authentic materials and is driven by communicative objectives, project-based learning, and, ultimately, service-learning. Further, the candidate should aspire to the co-creation of sound pedagogical practices that adhere to current research, the interests of students and the mission, vision and values of Geffen Academy, specifically by helping students build robust communication skills, by fostering cultural understanding and empowering students to arrive at a deeper awareness of self and others. The department acknowledges the needs of different language learners. Thus, a candidate skilled in teaching heritage language learners, non-heritage and the wide gamut of language learners found in a classroom are highly preferred.
This is an interim position with an anticipated start date of September 1, 2024 and end date of June 30, 2025.
Job Duties:
- Consistent with department leadership’s direction, collaborate with other educators in creation of a Geffen Academy program that meets the need and interests of the Geffen Academy’s students
- Consistent with department leadership’s direction, evaluate and choose books, digital materials, experiential opportunities such as museum visits and theatrical performances, and other academic resources
- Consistent with department leadership’s direction, assist in the administration of proficiency assessments.
- 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 Deans, Registrar, Student Counselors, and the Athletics team in proactive and timely fashion.
- Consistent with department leadership’s direction, participate in interdisciplinary instructional programs.
- Under the direction of the department's leadership, serve as - instructor/mentor/adviser of students’ independent projects.
- Consistent with Geffen Academy leadership’s direction, engage in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities.
- Meet as needed with the department and curriculum planning teams.
- Under the direction of the World Languages Department Chair, participate in continuing professional development/training activities.
- Be available to provide proper coverage of instructional work for both scheduled and unscheduled absences of colleagues.
- A Geffen Educator’s workload may vary from term to term and year to year.
- 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.