Founding High School STEM Elective Teacher | Des Moines Prep

Des Moines Prep•Des Moines, IA

About The Position

Des Moines Prep is a new growing public charter school in downtown Des Moines committed to achieving exceptional outcomes for students: where they own and drive their learning and love their school experience. Our model combines rigorous college preparatory academics and a robust student-centered approach to instruction. We believe students learn best when they are known well, challenged deeply, and supported fully. Des Moines Prep opened in 2025 and serves grades 8–9, expanding to serve grades 7–12 in the coming years. Our school emphasizes agency, purpose, and preparation for the future, giving students opportunities to explore college and career pathways and pursue their ambitions in a supportive, close-knit environment. We are seeking a creative and forward-thinking High School STEM Elective Teacher to design and teach engaging elective courses that introduce students to real-world applications of science, technology, engineering, and math. This role offers flexibility for the teacher to shape course offerings based on their expertise and student interest, with potential courses including coding, computer science, engineering design, robotics, applied technology, or other STEM-focused pathways. The ideal candidate is passionate about hands-on, project-based learning and excited to help students explore STEM fields, build problem-solving skills, and discover potential career interests. Potential courses may include (but are not limited to): Coding or Computer Science Fundamentals Introduction to Engineering or Engineering Design Robotics, Automation, or Applied Technology STEM Project-Based or Interdisciplinary Electives Emerging STEM topics aligned to teacher expertise and student interest Final course offerings will be developed collaboratively with school leadership and may evolve over time.

Requirements

3+ years of teaching experience, preferably in middle school or high school sciences
Strong track record of student achievement in science
Experience designing and implementing differentiated instruction to meet the needs of students at varying levels of scientific understanding
Proven success in hands-on, inquiry-based learning, including facilitating lab experiments and interactive projects
Experience integrating technology, data analysis, and real-world applications into science instruction
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 science education and making chemistry 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

Responsibilities

Deliver engaging and rigorous instruction in alignment with state standards and school priorities
Develop and implement student-centered lesson plans that promote inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and real-world application of science concepts
Utilize a variety of instructional strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners, including project-based learning, data analysis, and hands-on inquiry
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 scientific understanding and reasoning
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 reading below grade level
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 STEM school culture through tutoring, clubs, or extracurricular opportunities such as a Science Olympiad team, STEM club, or environmental sustainability initiatives
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
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 science in their everyday lives, future careers, and societal challenges