Science Instructor

Science Instructor position within the Division of State-Operated Specialty Care, Bureau of State Training School (STS), teaching Life Science to male students ages 12–18 who have been adjudicated delinquent. STS provides a secure, treatment-focused setting with individualized academic and vocational programs.

About the role

• Close-knit, professional learning community with no extra duties beyond the 7:00 am – 3:30 pm schedule.
• Approximately one month of orientation to become familiar with the school and facility.
• Average class size of 5 students, with a maximum of 8 per classroom.
• Every classroom is equipped with an Interactive White Board and student computers.
• Highly structured learning environment with opportunities for co-teaching and cross-curricular activities.
• Several days throughout the year dedicated to curriculum development and re-licensure courses provided during the workday.
• Vacation time can be requested as soon as it accrues.

Responsibilities

• Teach Life Science to a diverse group of young men within a secure, treatment-focused facility.
• Address educational challenges through innovation and evidence-based practices.
• Participate in a holistic program that includes academic, vocational, social, behavioral, psychiatric, and counseling services.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment and education plans with the goal of successfully transitioning students back into the community.

Requirements

• Possession of an Intern, Initial, Standard, Master Educator, or Exchange License, or eligibility and ability to obtain a Class B License through the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners.
• Must meet endorsement requirements for the teaching assignment: 9–12 All Science (185), or 5–12 Biology (151) and 5–12 General Science (154).
• Completion of a background check is required.
• Applicants must meet teaching certification requirements established by the Iowa Department of Education, including completion of an elementary, secondary, or child development program of teacher preparation.
• Within a period of time after hire, may be required to obtain a Chauffeur’s License and endorsements as determined by the appointing authority.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Low-cost health and dental insurance packages with outstanding coverage.
• Paid Time Off: Vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
• Retirement Plans: IPERS (employees contribute 6.29%, State contributes 9.44%) and Retirement Investors Club (RIC), where the State matches dollar-for-dollar up to $75/month.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: For medical and dependent care expenses.
• Insurance Coverage: Life insurance and free long-term disability insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program: Resources and support for personal and professional challenges.
• Employee Discount Programs: Discounts on a variety of goods and services.
• Free On-Campus Workout Facilities: Access to a staff-only gym with 3 full-size basketball courts, two fully stocked weight rooms, showers, lockers, and a cardio room featuring advanced treadmills and stationary bikes.

Location

STS is located in Eldora, Iowa, a community of approximately 2,800 residents in north-central Iowa. Eldora offers outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, canoeing, hunting, fishing, and golfing, as well as cultural and educational opportunities. Nearby cities include Ames (45 minutes), Cedar Falls (45 minutes), Marshalltown (30 minutes), Iowa Falls (20 minutes), and Des Moines (1 hour 15 minutes).