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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. 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.

Under the direction of the I-Track Department Chair at Geffen Academy and the respective Division Director, Geffen Academy I-Track Educators are responsible for the delivery of an innovative program of secondary school instruction. The Geffen Academy Computer Science & Robotics Educator will be responsible for an array of duties, including participating in the creation of a course of study, offering exciting and engaging instruction to students in as many as five (5) courses each term, and participating in the life of the school in a robust and fully engaged manner. This is a bargaining unit covered position.

Geffen Academy at UCLA is seeking an Educator with a background in computer science and a keen interest in robotics to teach core I-Track classes in computer science and introductory level robotics. There wil also be an opportunity to help develop new competitive robotics teams at the middle school and upper school level. This is a great opportunity for an Educator to join our school and teach a challenging curriculum that seeks to integrate and collaborate with other disciplines. Geffen Academy’s location on the UCLA campus offers unparalleled opportunities for collaborative experiences for students in a world class research institution.

• Participate in the design and development of curricula that helps develop an innovation mindset in Geffen Academy students by developing habits of mind such as systems thinking, human-centered design, iterative solutions development and persistence.
• Collaborate with I-Track Department Chair to further the development of the I-Track structure within the overall Geffen Academy program.
• Build excitement in robotics by creating opportunities for students to build and compete in local, state, and national competitions.
• Collaborate with local cultural and educational institutions to bring students into the world beyond the doors of Geffen Academy.
• Maintain an up-to-date understanding of computer science, robotics, and project-based learning within secondary schools in California and beyond.
• Utilize software to create opportunities for students to develop their skills and understanding of time management, business communication, components of Google Suite, databases, and online research.
• Collaborate with relevant UCLA faculty in devising programs that enable 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 books, digital materials, experiential opportunities and other academic resources to further the student experience in computer science and robotics.
• 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 staff, Registrar, and Athletics.
• Participate in department representation at parent evenings and recruitment events as needed.
• Assess the continued relevance and success of course offerings within the department
• Participate in committee work, whether the committee’s focus is solely within the department, or reaches to other parts of Geffen Academy.
• Participate in interdisciplinary instructional programs as needed.
• Serve as instructors/mentors/advisers of students’ independent projects.
• Engage in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities.
• Participate in continuing professional development and/or training activities
• 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, other duties may be assigned to meet the needs of the school.

• The successful candidate must have an undergraduate degree in a computer science discipline; advanced degree preferred, experience in design thinking and robotics .
• Two to three years of secondary teaching experience, with the ability to design project‑based curricula for middle and upper school students that address real‑world problems, along with experience working with robotics in an educational setting.
• Strong background in education with a clear understanding and embrace of Geffen Academy’s mission, vision, and values.
• Multidisciplinary experience and the versatility to teach a combination of computer science and robotics, as well as an interest in co‑leading an extra‑curricular program in robotics.
• A sincere commitment to professional development in pedagogy and respective content area.
• A passionate commitment to innovation and design thinking applied to the real world, and a desire to work with all types of learners.
• Experience in a “bring your own device” educational setting and/or commitment to a BYOD program.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills to articulate and explain instructional issues to colleagues, students, and families.
• Self-directed and able to effectively prioritize and handle multiple tasks subject to frequent interruption.
• Capable of developing and sustaining effective working relationships with colleagues in the department and with other UCLA and Geffen Academy staff on matters of interdisciplinary and institutional concern.