Summer Creative Writing Educator

Summer Program Dates: June 22nd - July 10

Course: Reading Like a Writer: Stories, Style, and Voice

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 Reading Like a Writer summer course helps middle and upper school students strengthen both their reading comprehension and their creative writing by exploring the deep connection between the two. Students study short stories and novels not only for meaning, but also for craft: examining how authors use language, structure, imagery, and voice to shape a reader's experience.

Through journal writing, class discussion, writing workshops, and individual conferences, students practice the habits of professional writers: generating ideas, drafting creatively, discussing choices with peers, revising for clarity and impact, and polishing final pieces. The course emphasizes collaboration, reflection, and growth, helping students become more attentive readers and more intentional writers.

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 Reading Like a Writer: Stories, Style, and Voice; 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 deliver a three-week reading and writing workshop course for students ages 10 - 17.
• Select and teach short stories and novels that support close reading, discussion, and craft analysis.
• Guide students in maintaining reading journals that support reflection, interpretation, and vocabulary development.
• Teach core elements of writing craft, including sentence construction, imagery, voice, structure, and revision.
• Facilitate writing workshops in which students draft, share, and revise creative fiction.
• Lead peer feedback sessions that model constructive critique and collaborative learning.
• Conduct one-on-one conferences to support individual student growth as readers and writers.
• Provide clear, detailed feedback that helps students improve clarity, style, and purpose.
• Foster an inclusive classroom environment that encourages risk-taking, respect, and sustained engagement.
• Collaborate with Summer Program leadership and fellow educators to support a cohesive program experience.
• Establish clear success criteria and routines for workshop participation, peer response, and revision.
• Support students in practicing academic integrity and responsible use of sources when drawing inspiration from mentor texts.
• 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 English, creative writing, literature, education, or a related field.
• Experience teaching reading, writing, or workshop-based literacy courses to middle and/or high school students.
• Strong understanding of narrative craft, close reading strategies, and adolescent literacy development.
• Ability to model the writing process and support students through drafting and revision.
• Experience facilitating peer feedback and collaborative discussion.
• Ability to design curriculum for a short, intensive summer program.
• Familiarity with educational technology and platforms such as Google Classroom and Zoom.
• Commitment to Geffen Academy's mission, values, and inclusive educational philosophy.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Professional judgment, patience, integrity, and a collaborative teaching approach.
• Comfort working in 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.
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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