Fine Arts Teacher | Cedar Rapids Prep

Fine Arts Teacher | Cedar Rapids Prep 

About Cedar Rapids Prep

Cedar Rapids Prep is a tuition-free, college-preparatory school that opened in August 2025, initially serving 6th, 7th, and 8th grades, with plans to expand through 12th grade. The school emphasizes academic excellence, leadership, and personal ownership, providing a supportive community where students are paired with dedicated advisors to ensure their success. Cedar Rapids Prep offers a private school experience without the cost, featuring top-notch facilities, student uniforms, and rigorous academics. As part of the Opportunity Education Network, the school aims to empower students to lead ambitious and purpose-driven lives.

About the Role: Fine Arts Teacher

The Fine Arts Teacher will focus on developing and delivering introductory fine arts courses aligned to their area of expertise, such as visual art, music, theater, or dance. There is flexibility to design additional courses and experiences based on teacher strengths, student interest, and the evolving needs of the school. This is a unique opportunity to build a fine arts program from the ground up in a brand-new learning space. The school is committed to investing in high-quality materials, equipment, and facilities to support a vibrant, creative fine arts experience for students.

⚠️ Licensure Requirement: Candidates must hold a valid Iowa teaching license with an endorsement in Art for grades 6–12. Applications from candidates who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.

Instruction Delivery & Curriculum Development (65%)

• Design and implement curriculum for introductory courses in visual art, music, theater, or dance
• Develop engaging lesson plans that cultivate students' creativity and technical skills
• Assess student work, provide feedback, and maintain high expectations for artistic excellence
• Establish a welcoming, organized, and inspiring classroom environment

Student Engagement & Support (20%)

• 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 Cedar Rapids Prep
• Help design and expand a fine arts program that evolves as the school grows
• Create opportunities to showcase student work within the school and community
• Provide input on future arts programming
• Assist in establishing partnerships with local artists or organizations

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 art in their everyday lives, future careers, and societal challenges

Ideal Candidate Experiences

• Valid teaching license required
• Experience teaching visual arts, preferably in a secondary setting
• Strong understanding of a variety of artistic techniques and mediums
• Proven ability to build curriculum and instructional practices from the ground up
• Experience organizing student art/performance exhibitions or collaborative art/performance projects

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

Compensation & Benefits

• Retirement Plan: Enrollment in the Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS)
• Competitive Salary: Salary is budgeted within a range that aligns with local district expectations
• Professional Development: Access to exceptional weekly coaching with our dedicated Dean of Academics
• Wellness & Workspace Amenities: Suite of sustainability and wellness supports, including a teacher’s lounge with a massage chair, cold brew on tap for all staff, and ample private workspaces for focused planning

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.