Founding Middle School Science Teacher | Cedar Rapids Prep

Opportunity Education; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a pioneering educational initiative as a Founding Middle School Science Teacher, where you will shape a dynamic science program that inspires curiosity and fosters analytical thinking among students. This role offers the unique opportunity to create a supportive learning environment, implement innovative teaching strategies, and collaborate with a passionate team dedicated to academic excellence and student agency. Be part of an exciting journey to build a premier college prep school that prioritizes scientific literacy and prepares students for future success. If you are an enthusiastic educator ready to make a significant impact, this is the opportunity for you!

Benefits

Medical Benefits

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Retirement Plan (IPERS)

Professional Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• 3+ years of teaching experience in middle or high school science.
• Strong track record of student achievement and engagement in science.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging instruction aligned with state standards and NGSS.
• Develop student-centered lesson plans promoting inquiry-based learning.

Skills

Teaching Experience

Inquiry-Based Learning

Differentiated Instruction

Analytical Thinking

Interpersonal Skills

Growth Mindset

Passion for Science Education

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Education or Science

Teaching Certification

Tools

Data Analysis Tools

Educational Technology

Job description

Founding Middle School Science Teacher | Cedar Rapids Prep

Cedar Rapids Prep is a new public charter school opening in August 2025 to serve 300 sixth and seventh grade students in its inaugural year. The school will add an additional grade level each year, building out a full comprehensive middle and high school that offers academic excellence, a wide array of extracurriculars, and hyper-focused college prep experience. As one of our flagship schools for Opportunity Education, Cedar Rapids Prep aims to set a model for schools nationwide.

About the Role: Founding Science Teacher

The Founding Middle 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 scientific concepts and inquiry.

As a founding teacher at Cedar Rapids 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 science, 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.

Responsibilities

As a dynamic and growing organization, responsibilities will evolve; however, core areas of focus include:

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 scientific concepts.
• Design and facilitate engaging laboratory experiences that allow students to explore key scientific 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 middle school experience.
• Differentiate instruction and provide targeted interventions to ensure all students succeed, including students who may need additional support in science literacy.
• 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.

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 middle school or high school science.
• 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.
• 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 biology 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 Cedar Rapids’ premier college prep school.

Application Process

Interested applicants should apply online.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with preference given to candidates applying before March 15, 2025. Candidates advancing through the process should expect multiple rounds of interviews with various stakeholders, a potential performance task, reference checks, and a blend of in-person and virtual interviews.

Compensation

Salary is currently budgeted in a range competitive with local district expectations. This role is eligible for IPERS (Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System) and a full suite of medical, dental, vision, and other benefits.

Start Date

The expected start date for the position is August 1, 2025, with onboarding and professional development before the school year begins to ensure a successful founding year.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

Cedar Rapids Prep 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.