Summer Debate & Critical Thinking Educator

Summer Program Dates: June 22nd - July 10th

Course: Debate & Critical Thinking

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

Debate and Critical Thinking is a dynamic three-week summer experience that helps middle and high school students sharpen their thinking, strengthen their voice, and explore big ideas in a supportive, energizing environment. This course is not about arguing loudly or "winning" - it's about learning how to think clearly, ask powerful questions, and express ideas with confidence. Whether students love to speak up or prefer to think first and reflect carefully, everyone develops the tools to participate meaningfully and grow.

Through engaging activities, structured mini-debates, collaborative challenges, real-world case studies, and thought-provoking dilemmas, students learn how to build strong arguments, evaluate evidence, recognize flawed reasoning, and respond thoughtfully to different perspectives. They practice organizing their ideas, listening actively, and refining their thinking step by step. Short writing and reflection exercises help students articulate their ideas with clarity and precision.

Rather than putting students "on the spot," the course gradually builds confidence through guided practice, teamwork, and supportive feedback. Students discover that strong reasoning is a skill anyone can develop. As the weeks progress, they become more comfortable speaking, questioning, revising, and defending ideas with evidence - all within a culture of respect and intellectual curiosity.

The course culminates in a final collaborative debate showcase where students demonstrate their growth, clarity, and confidence. By the end of the program, students leave not only as stronger thinkers and communicators, but as more self-assured learners ready to engage thoughtfully with the world around them. The courses are taught in-person on Geffen Academy's Campus.

Job Duties

• Design and deliver a three-week Debate and Critical Thinking course for students entering grades 7-12.
• Teach students how to construct, explain, and evaluate arguments using clear claims, credible evidence, reasoning, counterarguments, and rebuttals.
• Facilitate structured debates and dynamic discussions that emphasize respectful listening, clarity of thought, and intellectual courage.
• Guide students in recognizing assumptions, identifying logical fallacies, forming generalizations, and testing claims through collaborative inquiry.
• Use real-world case studies, ethical dilemmas, current events, and interdisciplinary topics to make reasoning relevant and engaging.
• Design short analytical writing, reflection, and revision tasks that strengthen precision and depth of thought.
• Provide clear success criteria and constructive feedback that helps students refine arguments and communication skills.
• Establish and reinforce discussion norms that support academic integrity, psychological safety, and equity of voice.
• Foster an inclusive, high-energy classroom culture that encourages intellectual risk-taking and growth.
• Prepare students to participate in a culminating debate showcase that highlights their reasoning and public speaking skills.
• Collaborate with Summer Program leadership and fellow educators to ensure a cohesive and engaging program experience.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Commitment to Geffen Academy's mission, values, and inclusive educational philosophy.
• This list of duties is not exhaustive.

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

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred in education, philosophy, political science, communications, social sciences, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience teaching debate, argumentation, reasoning, or discussion-based courses to middle and/or high school students.
• Strong understanding of critical thinking frameworks, logical reasoning, evidence evaluation, and common fallacies.
• Experience facilitating structured debate formats and moderating discussions involving diverse perspectives.
• Ability to translate abstract reasoning concepts into engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons for adolescents.
• Demonstrated skill in designing curriculum for an intensive three-week summer program with daily 90-minute sessions.
• Strong classroom facilitation skills, including establishing norms that promote equity of voice, psychological safety, and respectful disagreement.
• Experience guiding students in analytical writing, revision, and constructive peer feedback.
• Ability to navigate sensitive or controversial topics with professionalism and developmental awareness.
• Commitment to fostering inclusive dialogue grounded in evidence and intellectual integrity.
• Familiarity with educational technology platforms such as Google Classroom and Zoom.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills; strong professional judgment; integrity; patience; and a collaborative approach.
• Ability to perform additional duties as assigned in support of the Summer Program.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced summer program environment.
• Commitment to Geffen Academy's mission, values, and educational philosophy.
• Demonstrated ability to support productive dialogue across disagreement and to respond to sensitive or controversial topics in a developmentally appropriate manner.
• Strong classroom facilitation skills, including routines that support participation, equity of voice, and psychological safety.

• 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