Founding High School STEM Elective Teacher

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 STEM Elective Teacher

We are seeking a creative and forward-thinking High School STEM Elective Teacher to design and teach engaging elective courses that introduce students to real-world applications of science, technology, engineering, and math. This role offers flexibility for the teacher to shape course offerings based on their expertise and student interest, with potential courses including coding, computer science, engineering design, robotics, applied technology, or other STEM-focused pathways.

The ideal candidate is passionate about hands-on, project-based learning and excited to help students explore STEM fields, build problem-solving skills, and discover potential career interests. Potential courses may include (but are not limited to):

• Coding or Computer Science Fundamentals
• Introduction to Engineering or Engineering Design
• Robotics, Automation, or Applied Technology
• STEM Project-Based or Interdisciplinary Electives
• Emerging STEM topics aligned to teacher expertise and student interest

Final course offerings will be developed collaboratively with school leadership and may evolve over time.

Instruction Delivery & Curriculum Development (65%)

• Deliver engaging and rigorous instruction in alignment with state standards and school priorities
• Develop and implement student-centered lesson plans that promote inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and real-world application of science concepts
• Utilize a variety of instructional strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners, including project-based learning, data analysis, and hands-on inquiry
• 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

• 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…