Simulations for Minority Interactive Learning Environments (SMILE)

Work Schedule: This is a part-time position; Monday – Friday hours to be determined; Non-exempt position. This position is not eligible for benefits. This is a temporary appointment ending on or before January 1, 2024, with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon the availability of funds.

Position Overview:

The Charter College of Education at Cal State LA has partnered with MURSION Inc. to provide an innovative simulation-based training opportunity for students preparing to become classroom teachers that allows them to master skills necessary to be successful in the classroom. An “interactor”, who creates a mixed-reality virtual simulation experience, with a classroom of avatars, posing as K-12 students, as well as a teacher or principal, facilitates this training simulation. This staff role is a relatively new one to the world of work.

About 100 colleges of education across the nation are using this mixed-reality virtual simulation experience and have hired interactors. Funds for both the license for the simulation software and the interactor (who is an hourly employee), have been provided by a National Science Foundation grant to the college, for a three-year research study of the effectiveness of this tool in preparing teachers. The interactor will report to the Project Director.

Specific Job Duties

• Undergo basic training as an Interactor and then continue to hone skills through a debriefing with Project Director
• Work with Project Director to rehearse and prepare scenarios for the simulation sessions
• Coordinate the scheduling of sessions with the Project Director
• Manage the video conferencing necessary to offer sessions through zoom
• Prepare videos based on simulation scenarios
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills, including written, oral and interpersonal
• Performing experience (acting, improvisation, role-playing)
• The ability to develop a narrative script based on a scenario or story
• Experience with (or interest in learning) gaming technology
• Solid grasp of video conferencing
• Demonstrated collaboration skills to co-lead and facilitate the engagement of others
• Demonstrated experience to learn new skills
• An Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in the Humanities,Social Science or Science related field.

Preferred qualifications

• The ability to listen and respond to people with sincerity, empathy, and emotional connection
• Performing experience (playing multiple roles at a time)
• Solid grasp of video production skills
• Knowledge of pop culture
• Three to five years’ experience as a classroom teacher (elementary, middle or high school level)
• Master’s degree in the Humanities or Social Science

The incumbent must demonstrate an interest or ability in working in a multicultural/multiethnic environment. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the UAS. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or the continued employment of current UAS employees who apply for the position.

Review of applications/resumes will begin on July 25, 2022, and will continue until the position is filled; however, the position may close when an adequate number of qualified applications/resumes are received. A cover letter and resume are required.

UAS hires only those individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. Americans with Disabilities (ADA) requested accommodations should be made in advance to the UAS Human Resources Department.

Cal State LA University Auxiliary Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Note: Cal State LA University Auxiliary Services, Inc. (UAS) follows the direction of the CSU Policy related to COVID-19 vaccination. See Vaccines FAQ for more information.