Summer Science Educator

Summer Program Dates: June 22nd - July 10th

Summer Course: Make a Movie: Story, Camera, and Collaboration

Description

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.

Summary

The Think Like a Scientist! course introduces students to the core practices that scientists use to investigate questions and solve problems. Rather than memorizing facts, students actively engage in the scientific process: developing hypotheses, designing experiments, manipulating variables, collecting data, and interpreting results.

Students explore multiple scientific disciplines through guided investigations and collaborative problem-solving. Activities may include testing environmental solutions, examining chemical reactions, analyzing physical systems, and evaluating engineering designs. Throughout the course, students build confidence as independent thinkers and leave with a deeper understanding of how evidence shapes knowledge.

Under the direction of the Summer Program Director at Geffen Academy at UCLA, the Educator will design and deliver the Think Like a Scientist! course as part of the in-person summer program. Depending on program enrollment and scheduling needs, the Educator may also have the opportunity to teach additional, thematically related summer courses. Courses meet daily for up to 90 minutes over the three-week program. Final teaching assignments and instructional responsibilities will be determined based on enrollment and overall programmatic considerations. The courses are taught in-person on Geffen Academy's Campus.

Job Duties

• Design and implement a hands-on, inquiry-based science curriculum for middle and upper school students.
• Guide students through the full scientific process, including questioning, experimentation, data collection, and analysis.
• Facilitate laboratory-style activities and collaborative investigations across multiple scientific disciplines.
• Encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and evidence-based reasoning.
• Support students in documenting observations, interpreting results, and communicating scientific conclusions.
• Collaborate with Summer Program leadership and fellow educators to ensure program coherence.
• Maintain a safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• This list of duties is not exhaustive.

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

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred in science, engineering, education, or a related field.
• Experience teaching or facilitating science learning for middle and/or high school students.
• Strong understanding of inquiry-based and hands-on instructional methods.
• Ability to explain scientific concepts clearly and accessibly.
• Familiarity with classroom technologies and learning management systems.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and collaboration skills.
• Professional judgment, integrity, and enthusiasm for working with youth.
• Comfort working in an intensive summer program setting.
• Commitment to Geffen Academy's mission, values, and educational philosophy.

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Refences will be checked before an offer is made.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
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  UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
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  UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment