Geffen Academy educators approach teaching as an intellectual profession of the highest order, one in which knowledge is not only transmitted but is created. Geffen Academy educators possess a sophisticated and reflective understanding of their discipline and a record of achievement. This achievement demonstrates their ability to utilize and to contribute to the robust connections we have with UCLA, a world-class research institution. Educators’ innovation is guided by our school’s mission to prioritize proven educational practices while also recognizing that teaching is a complex endeavor that defies rigid codification. We are committed to a humane working environment and we 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.

Summary:
Under the direction of the Summer School Director at Geffen Academy at UCLA, the educator will create this course of study, prepare materials, and deliver an excellent summer Computer Programming enrichment course for Geffen Academy secondary school students. The educator will teach three sections: one section of Introduction to Computer Programming (grades 6-11), one section of Intermediate Computer Programming (grades 6-11), and one section of Engineering, (grades 6-11). Classes are 90 minutes long over a three (3) week period. The course will be taught in-person on Geffen Academy’s campus.

Job Duties:
•Create two separate courses for student computer programming, including one introductory course and one intermediate course. Course will use Scratch, Python, Visual Studio Code, and other hardware and software keeping with department guidelines.
•Create one Engineering course for students entering grades 6-11.
•Designate a prerequisite to distinguish students from introductory and intermediate course.
•Engage students in real-world and practical tasks to support their learning and skills.
•Engage students in understanding how to better organize, learn, and succeed in a remote learning environment.
•Provide research opportunities and encourage peer-to-peer interaction.
•Support students in a dynamic process of project planning and execution.
•Create opportunities for students to practice their skills, thinking and analysis.
•Create a learning environment where students feel safe, welcome, and challenged.
•Communicate information about student progress to relevant Student Services Colleagues, including but not limited to Department Chairs, Dean of Students, Academic Advising and College Guidance, Registrar, and Counselor.
•This list of duties is not exhaustive.

Should have a Master’s degree in a related field and a strong background in secondary education with a clear understanding and embrace of the Geffen Academy’s mission, vision and values.
• Should have familiarity with educational management systems including Blackbaud, Google Classroom, and Zoom.
• Strong background in producing high quality secondary school curriculum.
• Unquestionable personal integrity, excellent judgment, sound instincts, diplomacy and patience, and strong work ethic.
• Strong background in secondary education with a clear understanding and embrace of the school’s mission, vision, and values.
• Experience in creating educational programming and curriculum.
• Strong background in a remote learning environment is desired.
• The ability to think and act strategically combined with a strong commitment to providing an excellent and accessible educational experience for each student.
• 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 other staff and educators.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communications skills to articulate and explain complex issues to the Geffen Academy senior staff, families, and students.
• Must be capable of developing and sustaining close, effective working relationships with other senior staff on matters of interdisciplinary and institutional concern.
• Highly perceptive and intuitive.
• Exceptional listening skills and sensitivity to the needs of others.
• Collegially inclined with peers; a willing communicator and collaborator; enthusiastic team player.
• Comfortable working within a fast-paced summer program environment.