What are the responsibilities and job description for the Founding Spanish Teacher | Des Moines Prep position at Opportunity Education?
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: 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.
Responsibilities
As a dynamic and growing organization, responsibilities may evolve; however, core areas of focus include:
Instruction and Curriculum Design (75%)
Interested applicants should apply here.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with preference given to candidates applying before April 11, 2025. Candidates advancing through the process should expect multiple rounds of interviews with various stakeholders, a performance task, thorough 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 & Additional Questions
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.
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: 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.
Responsibilities
As a dynamic and growing organization, responsibilities may evolve; however, core areas of focus include:
Instruction and Curriculum Design (75%)
- 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.
- 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.
- Serve as an advisor to a small group of students, providing regular check-ins to monitor academic and personal growth.
- Act as the primary school-family liaison for your advisory group, ensuring strong communication and support.
- Help students navigate challenges and connect them with appropriate school resources to meet high expectations.
- 3 years of Spanish teaching experience at the secondary level, with demonstrated success in student achievement.
- Deep knowledge of second language acquisition strategies and best practices in language instruction.
- Experience designing curriculum and developing engaging learning experiences.
- Fluency in Spanish and proficiency in English.
- Commitment to Des Moines Prep’s mission to deliver on our promise to cultivate an experience of excellence and joy for our students, staff, and families.
- Ability to build a positive classroom culture that fosters student motivation and engagement.
- Strong relationship-building skills with students, families, and colleagues.
- Growth mindset, with a willingness to continuously learn and improve instructional practices.
- Passion for expanding global perspectives and cultural appreciation among students.
Interested applicants should apply here.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with preference given to candidates applying before April 11, 2025. Candidates advancing through the process should expect multiple rounds of interviews with various stakeholders, a performance task, thorough 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 & Additional Questions
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.
