What are the responsibilities and job description for the HS Journalism Sponsor - North position at NORTH HIGH?
TITLE: HS Journalism Sponsor
POSTION TYPE: INST
STIPEND AMOUNT: $3585.00
HIRING SPECIFICATIONS:
Required:
1. Ability to guide and develop student growth in all areas of 21st century journalism.
2. College degree.
Desired:
1. Experience/background in journalism at the collegiate level.
BASIC FUNCTION:
This position is responsible for teaching students the art and function of journalism as it relates to a 21st century society. They will build and lead a team of students in creating publications that engage the student body in current events. They serve as the Journalism sponsor and provide oversight to the Journalism activity.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Teach students the forms of journalism and how they can be used tocommunicate effectively.
2. Meet with students on a regular basis throughout the school year.
3. Stay informed on current practices in journalism in regards to legal issues.
4. Set practice/behavior standards required for students to participate in the program.
5. Create regular publications that can be distributed to the school and greater community.
6. Communicate regularly with parents through multiple mediums (email, text, Facebook, etc.).
7. Assess strengths and weaknesses of the program to improve it from year to year.
8. Maintain open and ongoing communications with school administration.
9. Submit reports (with student evidence) and activity checklists to building and district administration as requested.
ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (for every DMPS position):
1. Attend work on a prompt and regular basis.
2. Maintain confidentiality.
3. Maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with the public, students, and other employees.
4. Assist with other duties as may be assigned.
5. Attend district-wide meetings as requested.
DEPARTMENT: Activities Department
REPORTS TO: Activities Director
EVALUATES: N/A
BARGAINING GROUP: N/A
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
FT/PT: Part time
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Standing, walking, computer usage
WORKING CONDITIONS: Inside
The Des Moines Independent Community School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. If you have questions, concerns or a complaint related to this policy, please contact Carol Wynn-Green, 901 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309; phone: 515-242-7709; email: carol.wynngreen@dmschools.org. Complaints can also be directed to the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, 400 E. 14th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-1004, (515) 281-4121, or Region VII Office for Civil Rights, Citigroup Center 500 W. Madison Street, Suite 1475 Chicago, IL 60661-4544.
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: Lillie Noland
Date: 5/28/2026