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 / Program DescriptionCourse disciplines in the Entertainment Studies Program span subject areas such as Business and Management of Entertainment, Film & TV Development, Producing, Directing, Acting, Cinematography, Post-Production, Film Scoring, Independent Music Production, and Music Business. 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.
Job DescriptionApplications 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.
Cinematography Instructor Search
Qualified applicants possessing teaching experience and professional experience in cinematography for film and/or television are encouraged to apply:
All instructors should have current or recent professional experience in Cinematography so that they can help students understand and navigate the evolving landscape of cinematography today.
Classes are primarily offered in-person or via Zoom, although there are a handful of non-synchronous cinematography courses. Classes held in person/remotely via Zoom meet once a week for 11 weeks, typically evenings from 7-10 pm or on the weekend. Online classes are asynchronous (no live interaction) and deadline-driven. All courses use Canvas, an online course support platform, for distributing course materials, syllabi, assignments, and feedback.
Instructor Duties• 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.)
• Develop or update course syllabus to meet campus approval requirements, in consultation with the UCLA Extension Program Director and Program Manager.
• 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/ remote via Zoom 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 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.
• Assisting in occasional program activities such as open houses, guest lecturing, community events.
• Employ culturally sensitive teaching methodologies in the classroom inclusive of both domestic and international student populations.
• Stay current regarding your professional body of knowledge.
• Respond to student inquiries about final grades and consult with Program Director as needed.
• Maintain a record of final grades for up to 13 months following the last class session.
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.
Access, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (AEDI) is one of UCLA Extension’s guiding principles. We strive to extend access to UCLA, our programs, and services to underrepresented communities and populations, while serving as a model organization for AEDI in the field of continuing higher education. Committed to attracting and retaining diverse staff & instructors, UCLA Extension welcomes your experiences, perspectives, and unique identity.
Special Conditions of EmploymentInstructors are hired on a quarterly contract basis. Compensation is $2,700 per course, per quarter. Courses are typically 33 hours.
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 cancelled for any reason, the Instructor Contract, including rights to compensation for future section meetings, is voided.
In an effort to promote and maintain a healthy environment for our students, visitors and employees, UCLA is a smoke-free site. Smoking is prohibited within the boundaries of all UCLA owned, occupied, leased, and associated building and facilities.