Job Description

Founding 9th Grade Math Teacher (Algebra/Geometry) | Des Moines Prep

About Des Moines Prep

Des Moines Prep 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 (), Des Moines Prep aims to set a model for schools nationwide.

About the Role: Founding 9th Grade Math Teacher (Algebra/Geometry)

The founding math teacher will play a vital role in shaping a rigorous, engaging, and supportive learning environment where all students can thrive. As a founding teacher at Des Moines Prep, you will have the opportunity to build a strong math program that fosters both conceptual understanding and real-world application.

Reporting to the school principal, with regular coaching from the schools Dean of Academics, the Math Teacher will be responsible for delivering high-quality instruction, collaborating with colleagues to align curriculum and instructional practices, leveraging student data for continuous improvement, and helping students develop the skills and confidence needed for success in high school and beyond. This role is ideal for an educator who is deeply knowledgeable in mathematics, 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 encourage problem-solving, critical thinking, and mathematical reasoning
• Utilize a variety of instructional strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners, including hands-on activities, project-based learning, and technology integration
• Regularly assess student progress using a combination of formative and summative assessments to guide instruction
• Provide students with clear, actionable feedback that supports growth and mastery

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 for their entire four-year experience at Des Moines Prep
• Differentiate instruction and provide targeted interventions to ensure all students succeed
• 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 school culture within the school through tutoring, clubs, or extracurricular opportunities

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
• Support families in seeing the relevance of math in their child’s future careers and post-secondary aspirations

Ideal Candidate Experiences

• 3+ years of teaching experience, preferably in high school mathematics
• Strong track record of student achievement in math
• Experience designing and implementing differentiated instruction to meet the needs of students of varying math levels
• Proven academic growth for students below grade level with math interventions
• Experience integrating technology into math instruction, particularly to enhance student engagement

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 mathematics education and making math 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 online and submit a resume.

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, and reference check.

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 late 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.

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