Description
Summer Psychology Educator University of California Los Angeles Requisition Number: JPF10880 Summer Program Dates: June 22 – July 10 Summer Course: Psychology in Everyday Life 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 Psychology in Everyday Life summer course introduces middle and upper school students to psychology as a scientific discipline that investigates how humans think, feel, and act. Students explore core domains of psychology, including sensation and perception, learning and memory, social behavior, personality, and mental health, while examining how biological, cognitive, and environmental factors interact to shape behavior. Students learn how psychologists develop research questions, design studies, and evaluate evidence, comparing early theories with contemporary scientific approaches. Through discussion, analysis of case examples, applied activities, and short analytical writing, students practice viewing behavior from multiple perspectives. The course emphasizes hypothesis-building, critical questioning, and interdisciplinary thinking. 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 Psychology in Everyday Life; 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. All courses are taught on Geffen Academy’s campus. Job Duties Design and deliver a three-week introductory psychology course for students in grades 7-12. Teach major domains of psychology, including biological, cognitive, behavioral, social, and personality perspectives. Introduce students to research design, hypothesis formation, and evidence-based reasoning in psychology. Guide students in analyzing real-world examples of human behavior through multiple psychological lenses. Facilitate discussions that encourage curiosity, ethical reflection, and respectful dialogue. Support students in comparing historical and contemporary psychological theories. Design short analytical and reflective writing tasks that strengthen students’ ability to explain behavior using evidence. Foster an inclusive classroom environment that encourages questioning, collaboration, and intellectual risk-taking. Collaborate with Summer Program leadership and fellow educators to ensure program alignment and quality. Establish clear norms for discussion of sensitive topics and maintain appropriate boundaries when topics relate to mental health or personal experience. Provide timely, constructive feedback aligned to clear success criteria for discussions, activities, and writing tasks. Perform other duties as assigned. This list of duties is not exhaustive. To apply, please visit: https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF10880 The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, see: UC Nondiscrimination & Affirmative Action Policy, https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/DiscHarassAffirmAction jeid-cc33e5587b295b4e9176665de3630993