Founding History Teacher | Des Moines Prep

 

Founding 9th Grade History 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 History Teacher

The History Teacher will play a critical role in shaping a rigorous, engaging, and supportive learning environment where all students develop a strong understanding of history, civics, geography, and global perspectives.

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 may 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%)

• 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 Des Moines Prep
• Differentiate instruction and provide targeted interventions to ensure all students succeed, including students who may need additional support in reading and writing non-fiction texts
• Collaborate with Special Education staff and other support personnel to meet the needs of all learners, including those with IEPs or 504 plans
• Contribute to the development of a strong civic-minded school culture through tutoring, clubs, or extracurricular opportunities such as Model UN, debate team, student government, or history club

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 history and social studies in their everyday lives, civic responsibilities, and future aspirations

Ideal Candidate Experiences

• 3+ years of teaching experience, preferably in high school social studies or related fields
• Strong track record of student achievement in historical inquiry, civics, and critical thinking
• Experience designing and implementing differentiated instruction to meet the needs of students at varying levels of historical understanding and writing proficiency
• Proven success in facilitating student discourse and inquiry-driven learning, including the analysis of primary and secondary sources
• Experience integrating technology, media literacy, and contemporary issues into social studies instruction

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
• Passion for history, civics, and global studies, and making social studies relevant and engaging for students
• 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

Application Process
Interested applicants should apply here.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with preference given to candidates applying before May 31, 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.