UCLA Extension is the open-access self-supporting continuing education division of UCLA. The Department of Humanities and Sciences offers a wide variety of certificate programs and courses including transfer-credit, post-baccalaureate credit-bearing, continuing education (CEU) credit, and non-credit bearing general interest courses. Course disciplines span broad subject areas similar to those offered in the College of Letters and Science. UCLA Extension courses and certificate programs offer students the opportunity to learn from highly qualified instructors who hold advanced degrees and are passionate, skilled teachers.

Extension’s transfer-credit courses bearing the “XL” prefix provide course content, academic rigor, and learning outcomes that are identical to those provided by their counterpart regular UCLA courses.

Current Job Posting

Instructor openings are currently available for UCLA Extension’s XL Geography courses. The two courses listed below are currently stand-alone courses taught by instructors who are experts in geography and hold a PhD in geography. Candidates must be willing to teach online and/or weekdays/evenings on UCLA’s campus.

GEOG XL 1- Earth’s Physical Environment (on-ground or online)
This course examines the Earth's physical environment, with particular reference to the nature and distribution of landforms and climate and their significance to human populations. Instruction covers the major features of the Earth's 4 environmental geospheres (atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere) and the interactions between the numerous variables that constitute the geospheres and produce the Earth's exceedingly complex physical environment.
 
GEOG XL 5- People and the Earth’s Ecosystems (on-ground or online)
This course explores the ways in which human activity impacts the natural environment and how modification of environment can eventually have significant consequences for human activity. Topics include environmental challenges, such as air and water pollution, population growth and distribution, global atmospheric changes, ecosystems and evolution, agriculture and food resources, and renewable and nonrenewable energy resources. Includes case studies drawn from the local, national, and international levels.

Instructor Duties

• First-time Extension instructors: participate in paid Canvas (learning management system) and online pedagogy training course. In-person courses require an online component.
• Develop or update course syllabus to meet campus approval requirements, in consultation with the UCLA Extension Program Director.
• Prepare course materials and design online activities and learning assessments appropriate to the subject matter. By University of California policy, ownership of the rights to Course Materials, including copyright, resides with their originator/author.
• Communicate with Program Director, Program Representatives and Online Course Managers in a timely manner.
• Respond to student questions and learning needs in a timely manner.
• Complete required administrative tasks in a timely manner.
• Employ culturally competent teaching methodologies responsive to Extension’s diverse student population.
• Complete mandatory trainings administered by Campus Human Resources and required by the University of California.
• Post final student grades in a timely manner no later than two weeks after course end date.
• Respond to student inquiries about final grades and consult with Program Director as needed.
• Allow students to review their final exams or papers for up to thirteen weeks following the last class session if final exams or papers are not returned with comments.
• Deliver course via the Canvas Learning Management System when applicable.
• Actively engage with students online during the course when applicable.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in Geography required (all applicants without a PhD will be disregarded)
• College-level teaching experience preferred
• Experience designing curriculum and measuring student performance preferred
• Commitment to the highest level of academic standards and integrity
• Highly effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to convey conceptual and complex ideas and information
• Highly effective interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in (or willingness to learn) the use of instructional technology and online teaching tools including the Canvas Learning Management System
• Active affiliation and participation in relevant professional associations

Special Conditions of Employment
 
Instructors are hired on a quarterly contract basis.
 
Compensation dependent on qualifications and experience.
 
Because Extension is a division of UCLA, all Extension degree-credit instructors and courses must be formally approved according to the regulations of the Academic Senate of the University of California. Eligibility to teach a course is contingent upon this formal academic approval. Once approved, teaching assignments are “by agreement.” The Instructor’s Contract outlines the deliverables for the course, the course schedule, and the compensation terms, subject to Extension policies and procedures. UCLA Extension makes no commitment to hire an instructor until it has sent and received a signed Instructor Contract. Should the course section an instructor plans to teach be canceled for any reason, the Instructor Contract, including rights to compensation for future section meetings, is voided.

UCLA Extension is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values a diverse workforce.

To Apply

Please follow the “apply now” link to submit the following:

• Completed application form
• Cover letter
• Current CV/resume