Founding High School English Teacher | Des Moines Prep

About Des Moines Prep

Des Moines Prep is a new growing public charter school in downtown Des Moines committed to achieving exceptional outcomes for students: where they own and drive their learning and love their school experience. Our model combines rigorous college preparatory academics and a robust student-centered approach to instruction. We believe students learn best when they are known well, challenged deeply, and supported fully.

Des Moines Prep opened in 2025 and serves grades 8–9, expanding to serve grades 7–12 in the coming years. Our school emphasizes agency, purpose, and preparation for the future, giving students opportunities to explore college and career pathways and pursue their ambitions in a supportive, close-knit environment.

About the Role: Founding High School English Teacher

The English Teacher will play a critical role in shaping a rigorous, engaging, and supportive learning environment where all students develop the reading, writing, and analytical skills needed for success in high school, college, and beyond.

As a founding teacher at Des Moines Prep, you will have the opportunity to build a strong literacy program that fosters a deep love of reading, writing proficiency, and critical thinking. Your role will involve delivering high-quality instruction, collaborating with colleagues to align curriculum and instructional practices, leveraging student data for continuous improvement, and helping students develop the communication skills essential for future careers and academic pursuits.

Reporting to the school principal, with regular coaching from the school's Dean of Academics, this role is ideal for an educator who is passionate about English Language Arts, skilled in engaging students of diverse backgrounds, and excited about being part of an innovative school model that prioritizes academic excellence, student agency, and college readiness.

Grade Level: 9th or 10th Grade English, determined based on candidate experience, strengths, and student needs

• Deliver engaging and rigorous instruction in alignment with state standards, college readiness assessments, and school priorities
• Develop and implement student-centered lesson plans that promote reading comprehension, analytical writing, and strong communication skills
• Utilize a variety of instructional strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners, including Socratic seminars, writing workshops, project-based learning, and multimedia integration
• Regularly assess student progress using a combination of formative and summative assessments to guide instruction
• Provide students with clear, actionable feedback to support growth in reading and writing

• Build strong relationships with students, fostering a culture of high expectations, accountability, and support
• Serve as an Advisory teacher, mentoring a small group of students in academic and personal growth throughout their four-year experience at Des Moines Prep
• Differentiate instruction and provide targeted interventions to ensure all students succeed, including students reading below grade level
• Collaborate with Special Education staff and other support personnel to meet the needs of all learners, including those with IEPs or 504 plans
• Contribute to the development of a strong school culture through tutoring, clubs, or extracurricular opportunities that enhance core ELA skills (e.g., debate team, journalism club, creative writing workshops)

Collaboration & Professional Growth (10%)

• Work closely with fellow teachers and school leadership to align curriculum, assessment, and instructional strategies
• Participate in school-wide professional development to continuously refine instructional practice, including regular data and assessment reflection cycles
• Engage in feedback cycles with the Dean of Academics and Principal to improve teaching effectiveness

Family & Community Engagement (5%)

• Communicate regularly with families about student progress, celebrating successes and addressing challenges proactively
• Participate in school events, family conferences, and outreach efforts to build strong relationships with families and the community
• Support families in fostering a love for reading and writing at home, emphasizing literacy as a key component of their child's future academic and career success

• 3+ years of teaching experience, preferably in high school English Language Arts
• Strong track record of student achievement in ELA
• Experience designing and implementing differentiated instruction to meet the needs of students of varying reading levels
• Proven academic growth for students below grade level with literacy interventions
• Experience integrating technology into ELA instruction, particularly to enhance student engagement

• Deep belief in all students' potential and a commitment to holding high academic and behavioral expectations
• A growth mindset, constantly seeking to refine and improve instructional practice
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues
• Adaptability and excitement about being part of a founding team at a new school
• Readiness to go above and beyond, including putting in extra time in and outside of your role, to build Des Moines' premier college prep school

Compensation & Benefits

• Retirement Plan: Enrollment in the Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS)
• Competitive Salary: Salary is budgeted within a range that aligns with local district expectations
• Professional Development: Access to exceptional weekly coaching with our dedicated Dean of Academics
• Wellness & Workspace Amenities: Suite of sustainability and wellness supports, including a teacher's lounge with a massage chair, cold brew on tap for all staff, and ample private workspaces for focused planning
• State-of-the-Art Facility: Work in a newly renovated and meticulously maintained school building designed to foster a calm, inspiring, and innovative environment

Opportunity Education is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where all individuals are valued and respected.