Founding High School Science Teacher | Des Moines Prep

Opportunity Education; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A new public charter school in Des Moines is seeking a Founding High School Science Teacher committed to creating an engaging, rigorous learning environment. The role involves developing a hands-on science curriculum that fosters student curiosity and supports diverse learning needs. Ideal candidates will have over 3 years of teaching experience, a passion for science education, and the ability to engage students from various backgrounds. This position presents a chance to be part of an innovative academic model that prioritizes student agency and readiness for future challenges.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of teaching experience, preferably in high school biology or life sciences.
• Experience designing and implementing differentiated instruction.
• Proven success in inquiry-based learning with lab experiments.
• Proven success with hands-on, inquiry-based learning and lab projects.
• Experience integrating technology, data analysis, and real-world applications into science instruction.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality, engaging instruction aligned with state standards.
• Design lab experiences that foster curiosity and understanding.
• Provide actionable feedback to support student growth.
• Utilize varied instructional strategies to meet diverse learners.
• Assess student progress with formative and summative assessments.
• Provide actionable feedback to support growth.

Skills

Experience in teaching high school biology or life sciences

Strong track record of student achievement

Differentiated instruction techniques

Hands-on, inquiry-based learning

Technology integration in instruction

Technology integration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Education or relevant science field

Job description

Founding High School Science 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 Science Teacher

The High School Science Teacher will play a critical role in shaping a rigorous, engaging, and supportive learning environment where all students develop a strong foundation in life sciences and scientific inquiry.

As a founding teacher at Des Moines Prep, you will have the opportunity to build a dynamic and hands‑on science program that fosters curiosity, analytical thinking, and a deep understanding of the biological world. Your role will involve delivering high-quality instruction, designing and implementing lab experiences, collaborating with colleagues to align curriculum and instructional practices, leveraging student data for continuous improvement, and helping students develop the scientific literacy 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 biology, 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 Science, determined based on candidate experience, strengths, and student needs

Instruction Delivery & Curriculum Development (65%)

• Deliver engaging and rigorous instruction in alignment with state standards, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and school priorities
• Develop and implement student-centered lesson plans that promote inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and real-world application of biological concepts
• Design and facilitate engaging laboratory experiences that allow students to explore key biological processes, practice the scientific method, and develop lab skills
• Utilize a variety of instructional strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners, including project-based learning, data analysis, and hands‑on experiments
• 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 STEM school culture through tutoring, clubs, or extracurricular opportunities such as a Science Olympiad team, STEM club, or environmental sustainability initiatives

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 science in their everyday lives, future careers, and societal challenges

Ideal Candidate Experiences

• 3+ years of teaching experience, preferably in high school biology or life sciences
• Strong track record of student achievement in science
• Experience designing and implementing differentiated instruction to meet the needs of students at varying levels of scientific understanding
• Proven success in hands‑on, inquiry-based learning, including facilitating lab experiments and interactive projects
• Experience integrating technology, data analysis, and real-world applications into science 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
• Passion for science education and making chemistry relevant and engaging for students
• 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.