Science Instructor

The State of Iowa is seeking a Science Instructor for the Division of State-Operated Specialty Care in Eldora, IA. The role involves teaching Life Science to students aged 12-18 in a structured environment with small class sizes. Candidates must have or be eligible for teaching licensure. The position offers a supportive community, no extra duties beyond standard hours, and opportunities for curriculum development. A background check is required.
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of State-Operated Specialty Care, Bureau of State Training School (STS) is seeking a Science Instructor to join our team! The Science Instructor teaches Life Science, and the position requires 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, meeting all endorsement requirements for the teaching assignment: 9-12 All Science (185) or 5-12 Biology (151) and 5-12 General Science (154).

This is a close-knit environment with a strong professional learning community structure. There are no extra duties beyond the 7:00am – 3:30pm schedule and you can request to use your vacation time as soon as it accrues. We offer several days throughout the year to work on curriculum development and courses for re-licensure are provided as part of the workday. There is approximately 1 month of orientation to become familiar with the school and facility.

The average class size is 5 students with a maximum of 8 per classroom. Every classroom is equipped with an Interactive White Board and student computers. We offer a highly structured learning environment for the students, and each instructor is encouraged to be innovated to help the students succeed. There are opportunities for co-teaching and cross-curricular activities as well.

Education Instructors at STS are an irreplaceable piece in the successful development of young men within the facility. STS provides an environment rich in educational challenges that will allow you to practice your craft in a meaningful manner. You will have an opportunity to fine tune your skills by addressing the educational challenges that come from working with a diverse group of young men.

The programs available for residents include:
• General education studies
• Special education programs
• Title I
• High School Equivalency Diploma (formerly GED)
• Competency-based Special Education programs
• Counseling

Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.

STS provides a holistic social, behavioral, psychiatric, academic, and vocational program that utilizes counseling, treatment and consequences paired with praisefor young men, ages 12-18 years old, who were adjudicated delinquent. You will be well served by the existing structure which provides you with administrative office staff and security. We can assist well qualified candidates in education who have a desire to teach Science to obtain conditional licensure.

If you enjoy rewarding yet challenging work helping young men find stability in their lives and security in their future, this is a great opportunity to consider. Your work at STS has the potential to help pull these young men together and change their future.

If you are proficient in:
• Handling a diverse caseload of emotionally disordered students with mild to moderate needs
• Teaching in an individualized manner to reach the students
• Providing both individual and classroom instruction

- a career at STS is definitely something to consider!

Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.
• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!
• Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation(96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
• Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.
• Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs.
• Free On-Campus Workout Facilities

For additional information on benefits click here.

Click here to see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator.

Working at STS comes with a special perk! This location offers access for staff to the impressive on-campus gym during off student hours. This includes 3 full size basketball courts, two fully stocked weight rooms with machine and free weights, showers, and lockers. We also provide a cardio room for staff only featuring exercise mats and advanced treadmills and stationary bikes. Usage of these resources is completely free for all STS staff.

Eldora Highlights

STS is located in Eldora, a quaint community with a population of approximately 2,800 residents, located in north central Iowa. Eldora is an Iowa River Greenbelt Community and the Iowa River Greenbelt Scenic Drive winds through a picturesque landscape of valleys, woods, and streams. With easy access to the Iowa River and Pine Lake, outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking, kayaking, canoeing, hunting, and fishing, as well as the many educational opportunities, cultural activities, and entertainment events nearby, including a picturesque 9-hole golf course surrounded by Pine Lake State Park.

Eldora is 45 minutes away from Ames and Cedar Falls, 30 minutes from Marshalltown, and only 20 minutes from Iowa Falls. Des Moines, Iowa’s capital, is just 1 hour and 15 minutes away.
• Ames, Iowa is the home of Iowa State University, featuring one of the nation’s premier Engineering schools and leading Veterinary and Agricultural programs. https://www.iastate.edu/
• Cedar Falls is the home of the University of Northern Iowa, https://uni.edu/
• Iowa Falls is the home of Ellsworth Community College. https://ecc.iavalley.edu
• Des Moines has one of the nation’s finest State Fairs and is home to the Iowa Cubs, Wells Fargo Arena host site of NCAA Basketball, premier concerts, and Lauridsen Skatepark, the nation’s largest skatepark.

The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer

HHS values those with “lived experience” and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the HHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired – Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD).

Our agency uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.e-verify.gov.
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.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.
• Designated positions in this job class require applicants to obtain the required Chauffeur's License and endorsements within a period of time as determined by the appointing authority at the time of hire.
• For specific positions, the appointing authority may require certain endorsements and approvals as may be established by the Iowa Board of Education Examiners (BOEE). For more information on endorsements, go to the BOEE website at: https://boee.iowa.gov/endorsements/endorsements-list
• Applicants wishing to be considered for such designated positions must list applicable coursework, experience, certificate, license, or endorsement on the application.