What are the responsibilities and job description for the Founding 9th Grade Biology Teacher position at Des Moines Prep?
Founding 9th Grade Biology Teacher | Des Moines Prep
www.desmoinesprep.org
About Des Moines Prep
Des Moines Prep is a new public charter high school opening in August 2025 to serve 150 ninth-grade students in its inaugural class. The school will add an additional grade level each year, building out a full comprehensive high school that offers academic excellence, a wide array of extracurriculars, and hyper-focused college and career preparation. As one of the flagship schools for Opportunity Education ( www.opportunityeducation.org ), Des Moines Prep aims to set a model for schools nationwide.
About the Role : 9th Grade Biology Teacher
The Biology 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.
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 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%)
Collaboration & Professional Growth (10%)
Family & Community Engagement (5%)
Ideal Candidate Experiences
Ideal Candidate Traits
Application Process
Interested applicants should apply online.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with preference given to candidates applying before March 12, 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. The goal is to identify the ideal candidate by no later than March 30, 2025.
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
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.
