Founding K-2 Teacher

Independence Preparatory Academy is a new, academically challenging, highly structured, and joyful K-8 school in Fairfield, AL. We are on a mission to equip all students with the academic tenacity and strength of character necessary to choose their destiny and create a fulfilling life. We develop empowered learners through agency, purpose, and tenacity. 

In August 2025, Independence Preparatory Academy will open its doors to 160 kindergarten through second-grade students. We will grow until we reach a total capacity of 520 students during the 2032-2033 school year in kindergarten through eighth grade. We are actively building a founding team that shares our belief that with rigorous academics, high-quality instruction, and character development, all students can excel in high school, college, and life.

EMBRACE YOUR CALLING 

Are you passionate about inspiring future generations? Do you find the buzz of student engagement and leadership motivating? Are you energized by working with a team and community to create a learning environment for academic success? If so, Independence Preparatory Academy could be your perfect fit!

To achieve our vision, we seek Founding K-2 Teachers who meet one of the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 1-2+ years of teaching experience (Alabama certification preferred) with a proven record of propelling extraordinary student growth or
• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a desire for growth in a feedback-driven, supportive environment.

TEACH AT INDEPENDENCE PREPARATORY ACADEMY

iPrep teammates are perpetual learners, challenging the status quo and solving challenges together. We remain united by our commitment to envisioning the infinite potential of every child. Our ideal candidate believes in our scholars and our community.  They have a passion for scholar-centered learning, evident in the following orientations: 

• Adaptability: Our educators are oriented toward building alongside each other.  This means a commitment to:
• Learning and iterating
• An openness to giving and receiving feedback
• An entrepreneurial spirit: building from the ground up
• Collaboration with other adults and families
• Belief in our model and our graduate profile through a commitment to:
• Student agency and advocacy
• Supporting students in finding their purpose
• Mastery-based grading 
• Profound learning experiences
• Student result orientation: through a commitment to:
• Hard quantitative academics 
• Holistic indicators for success 
• Knowledge of self: confidence in describing your identity, purpose, and passions

We are hiring for the 2025-2026 school year. The salary range for this position is between $48,000 and $55,000. New hires can expect to be brought into the organization at a salary at or near the start of the range, depending on relevant experience, teacher certification status, and internal equity. Compensation is based on our salary scales and is not negotiable.

Requirements

ACHIEVE IMPACTFUL OUTCOMES

With the hands-on support of your school leaders and fellow teachers, you will:

• Master the foundations of iPrep’s academic content and social-emotional curriculum, including a deep understanding of the Science of Reading and aligned practices, standard analysis and breakdown, and anticipating and mitigating student misconceptions.
• Plan inquiry-based, academically rigorous lessons that inspire curiosity in all students.
• Build classroom management skills to create a safe, joyful learning environment, perfecting the ability to balance candor and love.
• Become equipped with data-driven pedagogical tools to drive student achievement.
• Develop authentic, meaningful relationships with students and families to support student's personal and academic growth. 
• Engage in weekly professional development opportunities with leaders and colleagues to benefit from feedback that will help you grow as an educator.
• Be a proud ambassador for iPrep, inspiring and encouraging potential families to become part of our thriving iPrep community.

Benefits

What we offer:

• A chance to be part of community development and work alongside the community to SOAR
• Being a part of a new, innovative, unprecedented school model
• Unique model experiences - ex: Eagle Quests, Choice Day
• Mastery-Based Grading
• Coaching toward student agency, purpose, and tenacity 
• World-class peers - we are looking for exemplary educators committed to pushing your practice, collaborating with peers, and being aligned with our mission and vision
• Discipline that makes sense - restorative practices rooted in our core values and celebrated through positive incentives and rewards
• Deep care about your personal and professional growth: 
• A clear pathway to professional growth
• Consistent feedback and support from managers and teammates 
• Community Circle to build and strengthen our sense of team
• Over 6 hours a week in instructional planning and professional development
• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, and vision plans
• 403(b) retirement plan; iPrep offers contributions of up to 5% of your salary toward your savings
• Competitive compensation