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: Spanish Teacher
As a Founding Spanish Teacher at Des Moines Prep, you will play a critical role in shaping our world language program and ensuring students develop both linguistic proficiency and cultural competence. You will be responsible for delivering engaging and rigorous Spanish instruction, developing curriculum that supports language acquisition and real-world application, and fostering a passion for global perspectives. As a key member of our faculty, you will help build a culture of excellence and joy, where students are challenged and supported in their learning.
This role is ideal for an experienced educator who is deeply committed to student success, excited about building a program from the ground up, and eager to collaborate with colleagues to create a dynamic learning environment.
Responsibilities
As a dynamic and growing organization, responsibilities may evolve; however, core areas of focus include:
Instruction and Curriculum Design (75%)
- Deliver high-quality Spanish instruction that builds students' fluency in speaking, reading, writing, and listening.
- Develop and refine curriculum to align with state standards and best practices in second language acquisition.
- Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs of learners, ensuring all students can access and succeed in Spanish coursework.
- Utilize data to track student progress and adjust instructional strategies accordingly.
Program Development and Engagement (15%)
- Work to expand course offerings over time, building a robust Spanish program that includes advanced coursework and cultural immersion experiences.
- Foster student engagement by integrating cultural exploration, real-world application, and interdisciplinary connections into Spanish instruction.
- Establish partnerships with local organizations, universities, and cultural institutions to provide students with enrichment opportunities.
Student Advisor (10%)
- Serve as an advisor to a small group of students, providing regular check-ins to monitor academic and personal growth.
- Act as the primary school-family liaison for your advisory group, ensuring strong communication and support.
- Help students navigate challenges and connect them with appropriate school resources to meet high expectations.
Ideal Candidate Experiences
- 3+ years of Spanish teaching experience at the secondary level, with demonstrated success in student achievement.
- Deep knowledge of second language acquisition strategies and best practices in language instruction.
- Experience designing curriculum and developing engaging learning experiences.
- Fluency in Spanish and proficiency in English.
Ideal Candidate Traits
- Commitment to Des Moines Prep's mission to deliver on our promise to cultivate an experience of excellence and joy for our students, staff, and families.
- Ability to build a positive classroom culture that fosters student motivation and engagement.
- Strong relationship-building skills with students, families, and colleagues.
- Growth mindset, with a willingness to continuously learn and improve instructional practices.
- Passion for expanding global perspectives and cultural appreciation among students.
Subject Area/Teaching Field/Endorsement
134 5-12 Spanish, 133 K-8 Spanish
Job Description Attachment
View Attachment
Work Days
200
Salary Range
53,000-63,000