Geffen Academy at UCLA is a university-affiliated school for students in grades 6-12. We value academic depth and inspiration within a humane educational environment. Our community is guided by principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Geffen Academy students are encouraged to be questioners, analysts, and presenters, who are creative, collaborative, and active young adults. Our students practice their skills, competencies, and relationships with deliberation. Geffen Academy graduates believe that knowledge is beautiful, transformative, and relevant to one’s life and civic responsibility in a global community.

Geffen Academy educators approach teaching as an intellectual profession of the highest order, one in which knowledge is not only transmitted but created. 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. Geffen Academy educators seek to create trusting and caring relationships with their students and with their larger community.

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Physical Education Department Chair at Geffen Academy, the Physical Education Educator will be responsible for the delivery of an excellent program of secondary school instruction. The program includes participation in the creation of a course of study, offering excellent instruction to Geffen Academy students in as many as five (5) courses each term, and participating in the life of Geffen Academy in a robust and fully engaged manner. This is a bargaining unit covered position.

The Physical Education curriculum at Geffen Academy presents a multi-faceted exploration of human movement with a strong emphasis on developing physical literacy for the lifespan. Geffen Academy at UCLA is seeking an educator who prioritizes the physical, mental, and social-emotional development of each student by establishing a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where all students may flourish. The educator will support students in developing an expanded interest in lifetime physical activities and sport by learning essential health and fitness knowledge, gross motor skills, positive self-image/self-talk, emergency response skills, and leadership and interpersonal skills through activities that foster cooperation, team building, and sportsmanship. The educator will be broadly competent and able to teach a variety of Physical Education courses in a 6-12 curriculum.

Core Duties and Functions:

Consistent with department leadership’s direction, collaborate with other Educators in the creation of a school program that meets the needs and interests of the students. Collaborate with relevant UCLA departments in devising programs that enable the students to take advantage of the school’s relationship with a research university operating at the cutting edge of knowledge creation. Consistent with department leadership’s direction, evaluate and choose program resources, digital materials, experiential opportunities, and other academic materials. Communicate information about student progress to relevant student services colleagues, including but not limited to Department Chair, Deans of Students, Academic Deans, Academic Advising and College Guidance Department, Registrar, School Counselor, and athletic team coaches. Participate in department representation at parent evenings and recruitment events. Consistent with department leadership’s direction, 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 the Geffen Academy program. Participate in interdisciplinary instructional programs. Serve as instructors/mentors/advisers of students’ independent projects when applicable. Consistent with Geffen Academy leadership’s direction, engage in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. Consistent with department leadership’s direction, orient new educators and establish appropriate mentoring relationships. Meet as needed with the department. Consistent with department leadership’s direction, participate in continuing professional development activities. Be available to provide proper coverage of instructional work for both scheduled and unscheduled absences of colleagues. Be available to students and parents for any and all department related issues. Supervise students as needed. Follow and adhere to UCLA and Geffen Academy policies, procedures, norms, and handbooks as directed. 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.