What are the responsibilities and job description for the Founding 9th Grade Social Studies Teacher position at Des Moines Prep?
Founding 9th Grade Social Studies Teacher | Des Moines Prep
www.desmoinesprep.org
About Des Moines Prep
Des Moines Prep ( www.desmoinesprep.org ) 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 Social Studies Teacher
The Social Studies Teacher will play a critical role in shaping a rigorous, engaging, and supportive learning environment where all students develop a strong understanding of the inquiry and content standards within World and / or US History coursework. This position may also help identify and construct additional social studies electives aligned to our school's postsecondary readiness goals.
As a founding teacher at Des Moines Prep, you will have the opportunity to build a dynamic and inquiry-driven social studies program that fosters critical thinking, civic engagement, and a deep understanding of historical and contemporary issues. Your role will involve delivering high-quality instruction, designing and facilitating engaging discussions, collaborating with colleagues to align curriculum and instructional practices, leveraging student data for continuous improvement, and helping students develop the analytical and communication skills 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 social studies, 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, college readiness assessments, and school priorities
- Develop and implement student-centered lesson plans that promote historical inquiry, critical thinking, and real-world connections
- Design and facilitate engaging discussions, simulations, and project-based learning experiences that help students analyze and apply historical and social concepts
- Utilize a variety of instructional strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners, including primary source analysis, debates, case studies, and digital resources
- 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 historical thinking and argumentation
Student Engagement & Support (20%)
Collaboration & Professional Growth (10%)
Family & Community Engagement (5%)
Ideal Candidate Experiences
Ideal Candidate Traits
Application Process
Interested applicants should online,
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with preference given to candidates applying before March 15 . 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
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
