Founding Spanish Teacher | Des Moines Prep

About Des Moines Prep

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.

About the Role: Founding 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.

• 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 (20%)

• 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

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 Spanish in their everyday lives, future careers, and societal challenges

Ideal Candidate Experiences

• 3+ years of teaching experience, preferably in world languages
• Strong track record of student achievement
• Experience designing and implementing differentiated instruction to meet the needs of students at varying levels of scientific understanding
• Experience integrating technology, data analysis, and real-world applications into language 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
• 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

Compensation & Benefits

• Retirement Plan: Enrollment in the Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS)
• Competitive Salary: Salary is budgeted within a range that aligns with local district expectations
• Professional Development: Access to exceptional weekly coaching with our dedicated Dean of Academics
• Wellness & Workspace Amenities: Suite of sustainability and wellness supports, including a teacher's lounge with a massage chair, cold brew on tap for all staff, and ample private workspaces for focused planning
• State-of-the-Art Facility: Work in a newly renovated and meticulously maintained school building designed to foster a calm, inspiring, and innovative environment

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.