Founding Spanish Teacher | Des Moines Prep

Opportunity Education; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A new public charter school in Des Moines seeks a Founding Spanish Teacher to develop and deliver a world-class language program. This role includes creating engaging curriculum, fostering student fluency, and building cultural competence among students. Ideal candidates will have over 3 years of high school language teaching experience and a passion for collaborative learning. This position offers the opportunity to shape a dynamic learning environment in a supportive community, dedicated to academic excellence and student success.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of teaching experience in high school Spanish or language instruction.
• Strong track record of student achievement in language arts.
• Experience designing and implementing differentiated instruction.
• Ability to integrate technology and data analysis into language instruction.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality Spanish instruction focusing on fluency.
• Develop curriculum aligned with state standards.
• Differentiate instruction to meet diverse learner needs.
• Collaborate with colleagues and leaders to grow the program and engage families.

Skills

Teaching experience in high school Spanish

Differentiated instruction

Data analysis

Collaborative projects

Technology integration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Education or related field

Job description

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 Spanish Teacher

As a Founding Spanish Teacher at Des Moines Prep, you will play a critical role in shaping our world language program and ensuring students develop both linguistic proficiency and cultural competence. You will be responsible for delivering engaging and rigorous Spanish instruction, developing curriculum that supports language acquisition and real‑world application, and fostering a passion for global perspectives. As a key member of our faculty, you will help build a culture of excellence and joy, where students are challenged and supported in their learning.

This role is ideal for an experienced educator who is deeply committed to student success, excited about building a program from the ground up, and eager to collaborate with colleagues to create a dynamic learning environment.

Instruction Delivery & Curriculum Development (65%)

• Deliver high‑quality Spanish instruction that builds students' fluency in speaking, reading, writing, and listening.
• Develop and refine curriculum to align with state standards and best practices in second language acquisition.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs of learners, ensuring all students can access and succeed in Spanish coursework.
• Utilize data to track student progress and adjust instructional strategies accordingly.

Program Development and Engagement (20%)

• Work to expand course offerings over time, building a robust Spanish program that includes advanced coursework and cultural immersion experiences.
• Foster student engagement by integrating cultural exploration, real‑world application, and interdisciplinary connections into Spanish instruction.
• Establish partnerships with local organizations, universities, and cultural institutions to provide students with enrichment 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 Spanish in their everyday lives, future careers, and societal challenges.

Ideal Candidate Experiences

• 3+ years of teaching experience in high school Spanish or language instruction.
• Strong track record of student achievement in language arts.
• Experience designing and implementing differentiated instruction to meet the needs of students at varying levels of language proficiency.
• Proven success in inquiry‑based learning, including facilitating collaborative projects and immersive experiences.
• Experience integrating technology, data analysis, and real‑world applications into language 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.