Educator in Digital Media

Recruitment Period

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 educators 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. Geffen Academy educators’ 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.

Summary: Under the direction of the head of the Visual and Performing Arts Department at Geffen Academy at UCLA, the Digital Media educator will be responsible for the delivery and design of an excellent digital media program in a secondary school context, aligned to the mission of Geffen Academy at UCLA. The Digital Media educator will be responsible for the creation of engaging, high quality photography, video and animation instruction including participation in the creation of a course of study, offering excellent instruction to Geffen Academy’s students, and participating in the life of Geffen Academy as assigned.

The Position: Part-Time Geffen Academy Educator in the Visual Arts/Performing Arts department- Digital Media Educator.

Job Duties

● Consistent with department leadership’s direction, collaborate with other Geffen Academy educators in the creation of an overall program that meets the needs and interests of the school’s students
● Teach photography, film, video, and animation classes, including interdisciplinary classes based on Geffen Academy’s Visual and Performing Arts curriculum
● Consistent with department leadership’s direction, collaborate with relevant UCLA faculty in designing photography, video and animation programs that enable the Geffen Academy’s students to take advantage of the school’s relationship with a research university operating at the cutting edge of knowledge creation
● Evaluate and choose resources for use by Geffen Academy Digital Media educators
● 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
● Assist the Head of School and Admissions Director in student recruitment activities
● As needed, 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,counselor/psychologist, and athletic team coaches
● Consistent with department leadership’s direction, assess the continued relevance and success of course offerings within the department
● Prepare and analyze Geffen Academy’s digital media curriculum with guidance from the Visual Arts Department Chair.
● Create a learning environment where students feel safe, welcome and challenged
● Participate in committee work, whether the committee’s focus is solely within the department, or reaches to other parts of the Geffen Academy enterprise, as assigned
● Consistent with department leadership’s direction, participate in department representation at parent evenings and recruitment events
● Consistent with department leadership’s direction, participate in interdisciplinary instructional programs
● Consistent with department leadership’s direction, serve as instructors/mentors/advisers of students’ independent projects
● Evaluate course placement with input from students, parents, educators and student services colleagues as needed
● Consistent with Geffen Academy leadership’s direction, engage in co-curricular and extracurricular activities
●Consistent with department leadership’s direction, orient new educators and establish appropriate mentoring relationships
● Meet as needed with the art department
● Consistent with department leadership’s direction, participate in continuing professional development activities
● Be available to provide coverage of instructional work for both scheduled and unscheduled absences of colleagues
● Communicate with students and parents as department- related issues and questions arise
● 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. Department heads 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 Geffen Educator’s workload may vary from term to term and year to year. Each Geffen Academy Educator’s annual contract will reflect the workload anticipated for the time covered by the contract.

Qualifications:

● Master’s degree in Fine Arts (preferred)
● Practicing artist in the field of Media Arts (Film, video, animation and photography) (preferred)
● A strong background in secondary education
● A clear understanding and embrace of Geffen Academy’s mission, vision, and values.
● A record of outstanding success as a secondary or university educator.
● Experience in a “bring your own device” (“BYOD”) educational setting and/or commitment to BYOD program.
● Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communications skills to articulate and explain instructional issues to colleagues, students, and families
● Self-directed and able to effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks subject to frequent interruption and competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
● Practical experience as a photographer and or animator and video artist and academic engagement with the discipline of digital media.
● Ability to teach a variety of visual arts courses consistent with secondary school curriculum;
● Comfortable with both formal and content based approaches;
● Strong knowledge in digital media, photography and or video and animation, as an art form that is informed by current thinking on the field
● Capable of developing and sustaining effective working relationships with colleagues in the department and from other parts of UCLA and of the Geffen Academy staff on matters of interdisciplinary and institutional concern.
● Experience in a variety of instructional and co-curricular/extra-curricular roles within a secondary school (preferred)

Apply online at https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/apply/JPF06301.

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, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: UC Nondiscrimination & Affirmative Action Policy.

School: https://www.geffenacademy.ucla.edu

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research (Optional)
• Statement of Teaching
• Statement on Contributions to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - An EDI Statement describes a faculty candidate’s past, present, and future (planned) contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion. To learn more about how UCLA thinks about contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion, please review our Sample Guidance for Candidates and related EDI Statement FAQ document.
• Misc / Additional (Optional)

• 3-5 required (contact information only)