Founding Culture & Instruction Manager

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 

How would you feel about shaping the next generation of educators by empowering teachers to excel in their craft while cultivating a positive and transformative school culture for students? Are you excited by the challenge of creating systems and strategies that drive academic excellence and student growth? If so, Independence Preparatory Academy could be your perfect fit.

To achieve our vision, we seek a Culture and Instruction Manager with a Bachelor’s degree and at least 3+ years of experience in teaching and leading teams to excellent outcomes fueled by a passion for their team’s success and continual improvement.  

LEAD 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 have an orientation to 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 a March start date. The salary range for this position is between $55,000 and $65,000. 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

• 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, anticipating and mitigating student misconceptions, and maintaining this standard for excellence in content knowledge, planning, and implementation with the teaching teams you manage.
• Implement school-wide behavior management and student support systems consistent with and aligned with iPrep SOAR values to maintain high levels of student culture.
• Maintain high levels of student achievement and teacher effectiveness by facilitating professional development and teacher coaching focused on managing student behavior, cultural competence, and social-emotional learning.
• 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
• Weekly 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