In-Home Teacher/Educator – 1st Grade | Des Moines

In-Home Homeschool Teacher | Des Moines, IA (Easter Lake Area)

Part-Time | Mon–Fri | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (up to 1:00 PM) | $15–$25/hr | Start ASAP – December 2026

About Our Family

We are a busy entrepreneurial family of five kids homeschooling four daughters in our home on the south side of Des Moines (Easter Lake area). Our household is led by a licensed educator with 12+ years of experience in Des Moines Public Schools — she has already built out the curriculum, the lesson plans, and the learning framework. We need an energetic, experienced teacher to step in and bring it to life.

This is not a "figure it out as you go" role. The roadmap is ready. We need someone to execute it with enthusiasm, consistency, and genuine love for teaching kids.

The Role

You will be the primary instructor for our 6-year-old daughter (entering 1st grade), delivering structured daily lessons in:

• Reading & Phonics
• Writing & Language Arts
• Math

You may also provide math support for our 9-year-old as a secondary part of your time, depending on scheduling fit.

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (possibility to extend to 1:00 PM) Location: In our home, Easter Lake area, South Des Moines Contract Duration: Immediate start (ASAP) through December 1, 2026 (with potential for renewal) Compensation: $15–$25/hour, based on experience and qualifications

What We're Looking For

Required:

• Some college coursework in education, child development, or a related field — OR equivalent demonstrated teaching experience
• Experience working directly with young children (ages 5–9), particularly in early literacy and math
• Ability to follow an existing curriculum with fidelity and consistency
• High energy, positive attitude, and an enthusiastic teaching style (think: high fives, affirmations, celebrations for effort and wins)
• Reliable, punctual, and professional — this is a structured daily commitment
• Comfortable working in a home environment with multiple children present

Preferred / Bonus:

• Teaching certification (Iowa or any state) or currently enrolled in a teacher prep program
• Experience with homeschool or small-group instruction
• Familiarity with early childhood literacy frameworks or structured phonics programs

All candidates must:

• Pass a background check (required before start)
• Provide references from prior teaching, tutoring, or childcare roles
• Be local to Des Moines and able to commute to our home daily

What Makes This a Great Fit

• The curriculum is already built — you're not starting from scratch
• You'll work closely with a licensed, experienced educator (our family) who can support and guide you
• Small, intimate setting — primary focus is one child
• Consistent, predictable schedule — same time every weekday
• Positive, structured household that values education
• Opportunity to make a real impact on a child's foundational learning years

To Apply

Please send:

• A brief introduction about yourself and your experience with young learners
• Your resume or a summary of your educational background and teaching/tutoring history
• Two references (name, relationship, and contact info)
• A short video (2–3 minutes) introducing yourself and answering these three questions:
• How would you teach a 6-year-old who is struggling to decode words?
• How do you handle a child who is having an off day and doesn't want to engage?
• What does a high-energy, affirming learning environment look like to you in practice?

You can upload your video to YouTube (unlisted), Google Drive, or Loom and include the link with your application. Applications without a video will not be considered.

We look forward to finding someone who will be a wonderful addition to our family's learning environment!

Background check required. This is an in-home, in-person position only — no remote applicants. Local Des Moines candidates preferred.

Pay: $15.00 - $25.00 per hour

Work Location: In person