Summer Debate & Critical Thinking Educator

Position Overview

Salary range: The full‑time salary range for this position is $4,002 - $9,086, with the offered salary pro‑rated depending on appointment percentage. Anticipated Hiring Pay Scale: $2,500 - $5,000.

Open date: February 27, 2026

Next review date: Sunday, Mar 29, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Sunday, Mar 29, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date.

Debate & Critical Thinking

Geffen Academy Educators approach teaching as an intellectual profession of the highest order, where knowledge is both transmitted and created. Educators possess a sophisticated and reflective understanding of their discipline and a record of achievement that demonstrates their ability to utilize and contribute to the robust connections we have with UCLA, a world‑class research institution. Innovation is guided by our mission to prioritize proven educational practices while recognizing that teaching is a complex intellectual endeavor that defies rigid codification.

We are committed to a humane working environment and to relationships that nurture trust and care with students and the broader community.

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. The course focuses on learning how to think clearly, ask powerful questions, and express ideas with confidence, rather than winning arguments. Students develop tools to participate meaningfully and grow, whether they love to speak up or prefer to think first and reflect carefully.

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

The course gradually builds confidence through guided practice, teamwork, and supportive feedback, fostering an environment where strong reasoning is a skill anyone can develop. By the end of the program, students leave as stronger thinkers, communicators, and self‑assured learners ready to engage thoughtfully with the world. The courses are taught in‑person on Geffen Academy's campus.

• 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.
• Commit to Geffen Academy's mission, values, and inclusive educational…