Founding High School History Teacher | Des Moines Prep

Opportunity Education; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development opportunities

Supportive school culture

Job summary

A progressive public charter school in downtown Des Moines seeks a Founding High School History Teacher. The role involves delivering engaging instruction and developing a dynamic social studies program. Candidates should have at least 3 years of teaching experience, a passion for social studies, and a commitment to fostering student engagement. The position offers the opportunity to shape a new educational environment that prioritizes academic excellence and student support. Competitive salary and professional development are included.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of teaching experience, preferably in high school social studies.
• Experience in designing differentiated instruction.
• Strong track record of student achievement in historical inquiry.
• Proven success in facilitating student discourse and inquiry-driven learning.
• Experience integrating technology, media literacy, and contemporary issues into social studies instruction.

Responsibilities

• Deliver rigorous instruction aligned with state standards.
• Mentor a group of students throughout their high school experience.
• Collaborate with colleagues to align curriculum.
• Utilize diverse instructional strategies to meet the needs of all learners and provide actionable feedback.
• Collaborate with colleagues to align curriculum, assessment, and instructional practices.
• Foster advisory relationships and participate in school-wide professional development.

Skills

Engaging students of diverse backgrounds

Differentiated instruction

Inquiry-driven learning

Strong interpersonal skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Education or related field

3+ years of teaching experience in social studies

Job description

Founding High School History Teacher | Des Moines Prep

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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 History Teacher The History Teacher will play a critical role in shaping a rigorous, engaging, and supportive learning environment where all students develop a strong understanding of inquiry and content standards. This position may also help identify and construct additional social studies electives aligned to our school’s postsecondary readiness goals. As a founding teacher at Des Moines Prep, you will have the opportunity to build a dynamic and inquiry-driven social studies program that fosters critical thinking, civic engagement, and a deep understanding of historical and contemporary issues. Your role will involve delivering high-quality instruction, designing and facilitating engaging discussions, collaborating with colleagues to align curriculum and instructional practices, leveraging student data for continuous improvement, and helping students develop the analytical and 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 social studies, 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 History, determined based on candidate experience, strengths, and student needs

Instruction Delivery & Curriculum Development (65%)

• 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 historical inquiry, critical thinking, and real-world connections
• Design and facilitate engaging discussions, simulations, and project-based learning experiences that help students analyze and apply historical and social concepts
• Utilize a variety of instructional strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners, including primary source analysis, debates, case studies, and digital resources
• Regularly assess student progress using a combination of formative and summative assessments to guide instruction
• Provide students with clear, actionable feedback that supports growth in scientific understanding and reasoning

Student Engagement & Support (20%)

• 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 civic-minded school culture through tutoring, clubs, or extracurricular opportunities such as Model UN, debate team, student government, or history club

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
• Help students and families see the relevance of history and social studies in their everyday lives, civic responsibilities, and future aspirations

Ideal Candidate Experiences

• 3+ years of teaching experience, preferably in high school social studies or related fields
• Strong track record of student achievement in historical inquiry, civics, and critical thinking
• Experience designing and implementing differentiated instruction to meet the needs of students at varying levels of historical understanding and writing proficiency
• Proven success in facilitating student discourse and inquiry-driven learning, including the analysis of primary and secondary sources
• Experience integrating technology, media literacy, and contemporary issues into social studies instruction

Ideal Candidate Traits

• 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

Application Process

Please apply online at https://www.desmoinesprep.org/careers/

Compensation

Salary is currently budgeted in a range competitive with local district expectations.

Non-Discrimination Statement

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.