Para-Educator | Des Moines Prep

Para-Educator | Des Moines Prep 

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: Para Educator

Guided by the Special Education Teacher and Principal, the Special Education Paraprofessional plays a key role in supporting the academic growth and character development of scholars receiving special education services. Assigned to a specific classroom or grade level, the paraprofessional will collaborate closely with students, families, and school leadership to strengthen instructional support and classroom management skills tailored to individual student needs.

Instruction Delivery & Curriculum Development (70%)

• Assist in the educational and social development of students under the direction and guidance of the classroom teacher.
• Assist in the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEP) for the students and monitor their progress.
• Provide support for individual students inside and outside the classroom to enable them to fully participate in activities.
• Assist in maintaining the classroom, organization of data, materials and equipment as established by the teacher. 
• Establish a welcoming, organized, and inspiring classroom environment.

Student Engagement & Support (20%)

• Support students with emotional or behavior concerns and assist them in developing appropriate social skills.
• Build strong relationships with students, fostering a culture of high expectations, accountability, and support.
• Support in providing differentiated instruction and targeted interventions to ensure all students succeed, including students reading below grade level.

Collaboration & Professional Growth (5%)

• 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.

Ideal Candidate Experiences

• Qualified candidates must have the following:
• Completion of an approved paraeducator certification program
• Verification of high school completion or equivalent
• 1-3 years of experience working with students with special education needs is preferred. 
• Strong skills in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Proven track record of student achievement results.
• Strong organization, planning, and time management skills.
• Open to feedback and committed to continuously improving. 

Ideal Candidate Traits

• Excited to join a founding team and shape the future of Des Moines Prep.
• Committed to Des Moines Prep’s mission of excellence and joy for students, staff, and families.
• Highly organized and flexible in a fast-paced school setting.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Compensation

Salary is currently budgeted in a range competitive with local district expectations. The role would pay $18/hour. 

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.