English Instructor

Job Description

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking an English Instructor to join the team at the State Training School (STS) in Eldora. The English Instructor teaches High School Equivalency Prep, Literature, and Basic English in 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.

This 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: 5-12 English/Language Arts (120) or 5-12 Language Arts – All (1201).

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 innovative to help 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

STS provides a holistic social, behavioral, psychiatric, academic, and vocational program that utilizes counseling, treatment and consequences paired with praise for 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 English 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 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.

We have a great total compensation package, including:

• Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS) (Employee contributes 6.29%/State of Iowa contributes 9.44%)
• Retirement Investors Club (RIC) (Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan) (State of Iowa matches up to $75/month)
• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance (See below for additional information)
• Vacation Leave (96 hours/year to begin, and increases with years of service)
• Sick Leave (144 hours/year)
• Paid Holidays (9 days/year)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life Insurance ($20,000 paid for by the State of Iowa)
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 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.

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 DHS 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.dhs.gov/E-Verify.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

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. (Download PDF reader)

Additional Qualification Requirements

• 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.

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset – our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendly Total Compensation Calculator. Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind. Click here to learn more about IPERS.

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us – Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa? Click here to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

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