Summer Humanities Educator

Summer Program Dates: June 22 - July 10

Summer Course: Myth, Media, and the Making of Heroes

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 Myth, Media, and the Making of Heroes summer course invites students to explore how stories of extraordinary characters are imagined, constructed, and refined. Through the study of literature, graphic novels, film, and popular media, students examine how writers use narrative techniques to explore themes such as identity, power, responsibility, and moral choice.

Students will engage in close reading, discussion, and creative writing exercises designed to strengthen storytelling craft. Emphasis is placed on character development, plot design, symbolism, descriptive language, and revision. The course incorporates storyboarding, short analytical responses, and structured writing that guide students from initial ideas to polished final pieces.

Under the direction of the Summer Program Director at Geffen Academy at UCLA, the Educator will design and deliver high-quality, in-person summer instruction. The primary teaching responsibility will be the Myth, Media, and the Making of Heroes course; 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 three-week creative writing curriculum focused on storytelling, character development, and narrative craft.
• Introduce students to literary and visual texts that explore heroism, identity, and moral complexity.
• Teach narrative techniques such as plot structure, symbolism, figurative language, and point of view using age-appropriate strategies.
• Guide students in developing original characters, settings, and story concepts.
• Facilitate writing workshops that emphasize drafting, peer feedback, and revision.
• Support students in producing polished creative work through structured guidance and individualized feedback.
• Foster an inclusive classroom environment that encourages creative risk-taking and respectful discussion.
• Collaborate with Summer Program leadership and fellow educators to ensure program alignment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• This list of duties is not exhaustive.

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

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred in English, creative writing, education, media studies, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience teaching writing or literature to middle and/or high school students.
• Strong understanding of narrative writing, storytelling techniques, and adolescent literacy development.
• Ability to explain literary concepts clearly and engagingly to diverse learners.
• Familiarity with workshop-based instructional models and peer feedback structures.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Professional judgment, integrity, and a student-centered teaching philosophy.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced summer program environment.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate thoughtful discussion around complex themes and support constructive peer feedback.
• Commitment to Geffen Academy's mission, values, and educational approach.

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

References 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.
• 
  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