Journalism Instructor - Pool - UCLA Extension

David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Part time

Job summary

UCLA Extension is the open-access, self-supporting continuing education division of UCLA. The Division offers courses and certificates taught by qualified practitioners who are passionate about teaching.

Applications to teach are accepted year-round to fill immediate program needs and to increase the instructor pool; interviews will be scheduled with qualified applicants who can fill anticipated openings.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years professional experience in journalism.
• Commitment to high academic standards and integrity.
• Proficiency with instructional technology and online teaching tools.

Responsibilities

• Complete annual and biannual University compliance trainings.
• Develop or update course syllabus with Portfolio Director.
• Use subject-matter expertise to teach and curate resources for students.
• Design interactive and motivating classroom activities to engage participants.
• Update materials and monitor course evaluations to improve the curriculum.
• Utilize Canvas as a course platform for in-person, online and hybrid courses.
• Post final grades to the transcript system within two weeks after course end date.
• Respond to student questions within 24 hours.
• Communicate with Portfolio Director and Program Staff promptly.
• Complete required administrative tasks including new hire paperwork and posting bios.
• Participate in orientations and instructor training programs.
• Assist in guest lecturing and community events.
• Employ inclusive teaching methods for domestic and international students.

Skills

Journalism experience

Curriculum design

Instructional technology

Job description

Course / Program Description

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.

Visit our site UCLA Extension Journalism Courses for a list of current

Visit UCLA Extension Journalism Certificate to learn about the Certificate in Journalism.

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.

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 periodically, 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

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years professional experience in journalism, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• 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.
• Experience designing curriculum and measuring student performance.
• Experience facilitating group discussions and activities.
• Participation in relevant professional organizations.
• Demonstrated commitment to educating learners of diverse backgrounds and educational experience.
• Familiarity with common tools of online instruction such as video conferencing software and LMS.