Founding Fine Arts Teacher | Des Moines Prep

Founding Fine Arts Teacher | Des Moines Prep

13 hours ago – Be among the first 25 applicants

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 the 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 grades 7–12 in 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 Fine Arts Teacher

The Fine Arts Teacher will focus on developing and delivering introductory fine arts courses aligned to their area of expertise, such as visual art, music, theater, or dance. There is flexibility to design additional courses and experiences based on teacher strengths, student interest, and the evolving needs of the school. This is a unique opportunity to build a fine arts program from the ground up in a brand‑new learning space.

The school is committed to investing in high‑quality materials, equipment, and facilities to support a vibrant, creative fine arts experience for students.

Instruction Delivery & Curriculum Development (65%)

• Design and implement curriculum for introductory courses in visual art, music, theater, or dance
• Develop engaging lesson plans that cultivate students' creativity and technical skills
• Assess student work, provide feedback, and maintain high expectations for artistic excellence
• Establish a welcoming, organized, and inspiring classroom environment

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
• Help design and expand a fine arts program that evolves as the school grows
• Create opportunities to showcase student work within the school and community
• Provide input on future arts programming
• Assist in establishing partnerships with local artists or organizations

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

Ideal Candidate Experiences

• Valid teaching license required
• Experience teaching visual arts, preferably in a secondary setting
• Strong understanding of a variety of artistic techniques and mediums
• Proven ability to build curriculum and instructional practices from the ground up
• Experience organizing student art/performance exhibitions or collaborative art/performance projects

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
• 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

Please apply online at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Compensation

Salary is currently budgeted in a range competitive with local district expectations.

Non‑Discrimination Statement

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.