Journalism Instructor - Pool - UCLA Extension

1000scholars; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Part time

Job summary

UCLA Extension invites applications for instructors to teach journalism courses. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and up-to-date skills for a dynamic job market.

Instructors will design syllabi, deliver engaging lectures, and collaborate with Portfolio Director to ensure quality curriculum across online, in-person, and hybrid formats.

Qualifications

• Qualified applicants possessing current knowledge in journalism topics are encouraged to apply.
• Experience teaching or training adults is preferred.
• Ability to develop syllabi and deliver engaging, updated content.

Responsibilities

• Complete annual and biannual University compliance trainings by the deadlines set by Human Resources.
• Develop or update course syllabus to meet campus approval requirements, in consultation with the UCLA Extension Portfolio Director.
• Use subject-matter expertise to impart knowledge to students and leverage additional resources appropriately to enhance the curriculum (i.e. invite guest speakers).
• Design interactive activities to fully engage participants and reinforce learning.
• Update materials periodically and monitor course evaluations to improve the curriculum.
• Utilize Canvas as a course support platform in in-person, online, and hybrid courses.
• Post final student grades to the transcript system within two weeks after course end date.
• Respond to student questions and learning needs within 24 hours.
• Communicate with Portfolio Director and Program Staff promptly.
• Complete administrative tasks including new hire paperwork, updating quarterly syllabus, posting bio/photo, accepting quarterly contract, submitting textbook orders, and communicating classroom needs.
• Participate in orientations and instructor training programs.
• Assist in occasional program activities such as guest lecturing and events.
• Employ inclusive teaching methodologies for domestic and international students.
• Stay current with knowledge in the field of instruction.
• Respond to inquiries about final grades and consult with Portfolio Director as needed.
• Maintain a record of final grades for up to 13 months after the last class session.

Job description

Course / Program Description

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.

The UCLA Extension Journalism program provides practical learning opportunities for professionals seeking to advance or initiate their career in professional journalism. Our program relies on the hands‑on expertise of active journalism professionals who design and teach courses focused on up-to-date skills for today's complex job market.

As the digital era reshapes how information is created, verified and shared, skilled journalism has become even more important. Journalists must navigate a multifaceted media environment, identify credible information sources and leverage digital platforms to craft responsible narratives that engage and inform global audiences. These capabilities are indispensable in new and traditional news settings, and across various professional landscapes including public relations, content marketing, social media management and more. As media boundaries merge, the need for adaptable skills grows, offering broader career paths and the ability to influence through well-informed, impactful storytelling.

Job Description

UCLA Extension is the open-access, self-supporting continuing education division of UCLA. The Division 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. 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 knowledge in the following topic area(s) – for adults -- are encouraged to apply. For a sense of the depth and breadth of our course offerings, visit Humanities & Social Sciences Courses & Certificates | UCLA Extension.

Instructor Duties:

• Complete annual and biannual University compliance trainings by the deadlines set by Human Resources.
• Develop or update course syllabus to meet campus approval requirements, in consultation with the UCLA Extension Portfolio Director.
• 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 periodicl, and regularly monitor course evaluations in order to make adjustments and improvements to the curriculum.
• Utilize Canvas as a course support platform in in-person courses, and as the delivery platform in online and hybrid courses.
• Post final student grades to the transcript system in a timely manner, no later than 2 weeks after course end date.
• Respond to student questions and learning needs within 24 hours.
• Communicate with Portfolio 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.
• Assist in occasional program activities such as guest lecturing, community events, and other curricular and extra-curricular activities.
• Employ culturally competent teaching methodologies and inclusive teaching strategies in the classroom inclusive of both domestic and international student populations.
• Stay current regarding the professional body of knowledge in the field of instruction.
• Respond to student inquiries about final grades and consult with Portfolio Director as needed.
• Maintain a record of final grades for up to 13 months following the last class session

General Employment Information

Employment as a UCLA Extension Instructor is dictated by contract terms and conditions. Please take the time to read the UCLA Extension Instructor Employment Policies.

For information on UCLA Extension instructor benefits, please visit Pay, Benefits, & Privileges

Division: https://www.uclaextension.edu/communications/journalism/certificate/journalism

Instructor Resources: https://www.uclaextension.edu/teaching-at-ucla-extension