Visual Arts Instructor - UCLA Extension

UCLA Extension•Los Angeles, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

UCLA Extension is considered one of the top programs of its kind, offering to more than 35,000 students per year approximately 4,500 classes and non-degree certificate programs to meet the professional development, continuing education, and personal enrichment needs of the full spectrum of nontraditional students as well as companies and organizations throughout and beyond the Los Angeles region. UCLA Extension is the open-access, self-supporting continuing education division of UCLA. The Department of the Arts offers a wide variety of certificate programs and courses, including post-baccalaureate credit-bearing (400-level), continuing education (CEU) credit, and non-credit bearing general interest courses. Course disciplines in the Visual Arts span subject areas such as Photography, Studio Arts and Art History. Our courses and certificate programs offer students the opportunity to learn from highly qualified practitioners who are passionate about teaching. Applications to teach are accepted throughout the year in order to fill immediate program needs and to increase the depth of the instructor pool, but interviews will only be scheduled with qualified applicants who can fill anticipated openings. Qualified applicants possessing current industry knowledge and experience in the following topic area(s) are encouraged to apply: Photography, fine arts, drawing, fiber arts, and painting. In addition to these, ideal candidates will demonstrate expertise in contemporary design practices such as human-centered design, community-engaged design, visual communication, interaction design, and design strategy. Candidates should be able to connect creative practice to real-world contexts, social impact, and emerging professional pathways within the creative economy. Classes meet in person in Westwood Village or Downtown LA. Each course is 11 weeks, enrollment limited to 20 students.

Requirements

At least 5 years as a professional artist in the field, including relevant gallery shows or related publications.
Ability to provide visual samples of work that demonstrates excellence in the field.
Commitment to the highest level of academic standards and integrity.
Current knowledge of and demonstrated proficiency in subject area.
Highly effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to convey conceptual and complex ideas and information.
Outstanding interpersonal skills and high emotional intelligence.
Proficiency in or willingness to learn the use of instructional technology and online teaching tools.

Nice To Haves

College-level and/or continuing education teaching experience preferred.
Experience designing curriculum and measuring student performance preferred

Responsibilities

Develop or update course syllabus to meet campus approval requirements, in consultation with the UCLA Extension Program Director and Program Manager.
Use subject-matter expertise to impart knowledge to students and leverage additional resources appropriately to enhance the curriculum (i.e. make arrangements for guest speakers, etc.).
Design interactive and motivational classroom activities to fully engage participants and to reinforce student learning.
Update materials periodically, and regularly monitor course evaluations in order to make adjustments and improvements to the curriculum.
Respond to student questions and learning needs in a timely manner.
Communicate with Program Director and Program Staff in a timely manner.
Complete required administrative tasks in a timely manner including: completing all new hire paperwork, submitting updated quarterly syllabus, posting bio and photo on the UCLA Extension website, accepting quarterly contract, submitting required textbook orders, and communicating classroom needs to the appropriate people.
Participate in required orientations and instructor training programs.
Employ culturally competent teaching methodologies in the classroom inclusive of both domestic and international student populations.
Stay current regarding the professional body of knowledge in the field.
Respond to student inquiries about final grades and consult with Program Director as needed.