Early Childhood Teacher (McKinley)

Des Moines Public Schools is seeking qualified applicants for the 26-27 school year to serve as a preschool classrom teacher. This position will start in August 2026. Any early childhood endorsed applicant is encouraged to apply.

Please note: The posted salary is drawn from the 25-26 Salary Schedule as the 26-27 Salary Schedule is not yet final.

TITLE: Early Childhood Teacher

POSITION TYPE: TCHR

HIRING SPECIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Valid Iowa teaching license (Birth through Grade 3 Inclusive Settings, PK-3, PK Special Education).

Desired:

• Previous classroom teaching experience.
• Experience in an urban school district.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Knowledge of subject, curriculum, effective teaching methods.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in oral and written communications.

BASIC FUNCTION:
Provide a developmentally appropriate learning environment that meets identified performance standards and incorporates early childhood research and best practices/curriculum.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Deliver daily lessons, aligned to state and district standards that meet students’ individual needs and ensure growth.
• Establish and maintain standards of student behavior needed to achieve learning.
• Participate in building and district professional learning communities to plan for instruction, analyze data, and create assessments.
• Monitor student learning on a daily basis. Use multiple data points to guide and individualize instruction.
• Maintains accurate, complete, and confidential records as required by state and federal standards and the school district. Submits reports and records in a timely manner.
• Ensures compliance with school district and department policies and procedures.
• Carries out all guideline requirements of the Department of Human Services and other applicable entities including Head Start, Iowa Quality Preschool Program and NAEYC.
• Communicate with families on a regular basis to include home visits, conferences and family events.
• Participate in professional development, including CPR and first aid.
• Coordinates and oversees teacher associates.
• Participates in recruiting and enrolling children.
• Demonstrate consistent progress on meeting the eight Iowa Teaching Standards.

ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (for every DMPS position):

• Attend work on a prompt and regular basis.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with the public, students, and other employees.
• Assist with other duties as may be assigned.

DEPARTMENT: Teaching and Learning

REPORTS TO: Building Administrator

RECEIVES GUIDANCE FROM: Director of Early Childhood

BARGAINING AGREEMENT: DMEA

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

FT/PT: Full Time, (Contract days vary by assignment)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Standing, walking, sitting, bending/stooping, reaching/pushing/pulling, lifting carrying

WORKING CONDITIONS: Mostly indoors with some outdoor responsibilities during recess and arrival/dismissal

All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform any other job-related instructions as requested by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Employee Benefits Information

All candidates offered a position will be required to successfully pass a criminal background check, and a child and adult abuse registry check. Certain positions may require fingerprinting, a drug and alcohol test, a physical capacity test and/or a motor vehicle record check.

Approved By: Emily Behrens

Date: 09/04/2018