Summer Japanese Animation Educator

Summer Program Dates: June 22nd - July 10th

Summer Course: Japanese Animation: The Mythical Worlds of Japanese Spirits and Monsters

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

This creative enrichment course on Japanese myth and animation will explore the rich tapestry of Japanese folklore and its influence on visual storytelling, animation, and contemporary media. Students will engage in discussions, technical demonstrations, and brief lectures on both traditional myths and their adaptations in contemporary works. With personalized guidance, students will develop their skills in narrative development, character design, and animation concepts, creating unique stories inspired by Japanese mythology.

Additional summer enrichment offerings may include a myth- and drama-based course for students entering grades 5 and 6, combining the excitement of drama with the intrigue of mythology. Students may explore the fundamentals of acting, stagecraft, and storytelling while engaging with myths from various cultures. Through interactive activities, students may study and perform dramatic scenes inspired by mythological narratives and participate in writing workshops to create original, myth-inspired stories.

Throughout these courses, students may develop acting and storytelling skills through improvisation, character development, scene work, and narrative structure. Instruction may include technical demonstrations, script readings, performance exercises, and creative workshops designed to deepen students' understanding of mythology, drama, and storytelling across artistic forms.

The courses may culminate in a collaborative performance and/or storytelling showcase, providing students the opportunity to share their work, reflect on their creative process, and build confidence as artists and performers.

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:

• Consistent with the department's goals, participate in the design and development of curricula that develop a creative and innovative mindset and joy in Geffen Academy students.
• Build a Japanese Myth & Animation course that integrates folklore, animation, and both traditional and contemporary interpretations of Japanese myth.
• Support students in a dynamic process of project planning and execution of the curriculum, including hands-on opportunities for students to express themselves through multiple mediums and modalities.
• Consistent with department leadership's direction, collaborate with other educators in the creation of the Geffen Academy program that meets the needs and interests of Geffen Academy students.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• This list of duties is not exhaustive.

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

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred in a related field and a strong background in secondary education.
• Should have familiarity with educational management systems including Blackbaud, Google Classroom, and Zoom.
• Unquestionable personal integrity, excellent judgment, sound instincts, diplomacy and patience, and strong work ethic.
• Strong background in secondary education, including creating and producing high quality curriculum and educational programming, with a clear understanding and embrace of the school's mission, vision, and values.
• The ability to think and act strategically combined with a strong commitment to providing an excellent and accessible educational experience for each student.
• Must be self-directed and able to effectively prioritize and handle multiple tasks subject to frequent interruption.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communications skills to articulate and explain complex issues to the Geffen Academy senior staff, families, and students.
• Highly perceptive and intuitive.
• Exceptional listening skills and sensitivity to the needs of others.
• Collegially inclined with peers; a willing communicator and collaborator; enthusiastic team player.
• Comfortable working within a fast-paced summer program environment.
• Commitment to Geffen Academy's mission, values, and educational philosophy.

• 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
• 
  UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment