2026-27 Secondary (6-12) Science Teacher

Job Title - Secondary (6-12) Science Teacher 

Reports to - Building Principal

District Information

Van Meter Community School District is a progressive growing district located 10 miles west of West Des Moines that is committed to developing a learning environment that is PERSONALIZED, INNOVATIVE, & GLOBAL. With excellent proximity to the Des Moines Metro area, the Van Meter Community School District offers the best of a small town community with quick access to all that the Des Moines area has to offer. District enrollment is approximately 1000 students, with one building, PreK-12. This unique opportunity for all students and staff to be in one building allows for many extended collaboration and community-building opportunities.

The Van Meter Community School District offers a comprehensive benefits package, including IPERS. Employees with proof of existing health insurance can choose to receive a monthly cash stipend in lieu of insurance. Employees receive 15 days of sick leave each year, the opportunity to transfer up to 10 days of sick leave from a previous district, opportunities to exchange sick leave for personal days, and the opportunity to get paid $200 for unused personal days. Every Friday afternoon is an early out for professional development opportunities. Teacher flex work days are offered for certain professional development days during the school year.

Van Meter High School is a 2022 National Blue Ribbon School and is the highest performing high school in the state according to the Iowa School Performance Profiles. Van Meter Community School District has been recognized by Apple as an Apple Distinguished School for its 1:1 program. It has also been identified as an Exemplar School by P21 for its commitment to providing a 21st Century learning environment. Van Meter CSD is an innovative district that has been a 1:1 laptop district for 15 years, uses standards based grading, project based learning, and a competency-based learning model to create a highly effective learning environment for students and staff.

The district offers teachers a wide range of teacher leadership opportunities and is considered an excellent setting for innovative teacher leaders. Ideal candidates will be passionate about learning, willing to network and collaborate with peers, and be capable of providing the differentiated instruction needed for all students to be successful.

Salary

Experience honored, innovative performance based pay structure

Minimum salary of $52,000 (negotiable based on current salary)

Monthly cash stipend ($537) in lieu of health insurance if you already have health insurance coverage.

Position Purpose

Under the general supervision of the building principal, to facilitate student success and growth in academic and interpersonal skills through implementing district and state approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress/activities/outcomes; addressing specific educational needs of individual students by creating a flexible, safe and optimal learning environment; and providing feedback to students, families, and administration regarding student progress, expectations, and goals. 

Qualifications and Personal Performance Criteria

• Demonstrates positive interpersonal relationships; works cooperatively with students, staff and the larger Van Meter Community.
• Projects a positive image as an educator in the Van Meter Community School District.
• Respects differing points of view.
• Demonstrates an understanding and acceptance of diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrates a positive attitude and manages stress in a constructive manner.
• Contributes to a positive work environment.
• Works independently, demonstrates initiative.

Essential Performance Responsibilities

• Develops and administers district and state approved curriculum consistent with school district goals and objectives.
• Promotes a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to individualized and small group instruction, and to student learning.
• Communicates learning goals to students and parents/families.
• Develops lesson plans to maximize learning opportunities in the classroom in order to meet the needs of all learners.
• Creates learning opportunities aligned with district standards and goals.
• Designs learning activities that utilize technology in a meaningful way.
• Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning, and differentiates instruction to meet individual student's needs. 
• Conducts individual and small group instruction as needed.
• Provides meaningful feedback to students within a multi-tiered system of supports.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research.
• Establishes a classroom environment that is fair and promotes learning.
• Organizes and maintains accurate records, grades, and reporting for all student activities, achievement, and attendance as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
• Encourages parental/family involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents/families.
• Ensures that student conduct conforms to the school's standards and school district policies, and establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom.
• Collaborates with other professional staff members, especially within the grade level and department, to evaluate and assess curriculum.
• Supervises students in activities that take place out of the classroom during the school day, including activities involving school transportation.
• Administers standardized assessments in accordance with district testing policies.
• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the principal and other district office administrators as designated by the superintendent.

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in a specialized field of education.
• Preferred endorsements: 5-12 All Science or 5-12 Earth Science
• Successful completion of criminal background investigation.

COACHING ASSIGNMENTS (may be combined with this teaching position)

If you have questions about the position, please contact Van Meter Secondary Principal Adam Lamoureux at adam.lamoureux@vmbulldogs.com.

Salary : $52,000