As our building construction progresses and students continue to apply and enroll, we are also busy hiring talented new staff members and teachers. 

Read below to learn a little bit about three of our newest team members: our Dean of Academics and two of our founding teachers. 

Megan Woster, Dean of Academics

Experience
Megan holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Iowa as well as a degree in Education from Upper Iowa University. She brings 13 years of combined teaching and administrative experience in secondary education. Megan currently holds the role of Head of High School at a private school in Arizona, working closely with educators on student-centered learning.

Leadership Style
Megan’s leadership style is grounded in collaboration, empathy, and a deep belief in the power of quality instruction to transform student outcomes. She is also a Step Up to Writing trainer and a Kagan Cooperative learning coach. These tools help her support teachers in creating dynamic, inclusive classrooms that elevate student voice and engagement.

Favorite Leadership Quote
“Teachers are the guardians of spaces that allow students to breathe and be curious and explore the world and be who they are without suffocation. Students deserve one place where they can rumble with vulnerability and their hearts can exhale.” — Brené Brown, Dare to Lead

Why Des Moines Prep?
Joining the founding team at Des Moines Prep and returning to her home state of Iowa feels like a dream come true for Megan. She’s eager to build meaningful relationships with students and staff while helping shape a school that prioritizes innovation, excellence, and joy in learning.

Molly Pierce, Founding English Teacher

Experience
With 26 years of experience, Molly has taught and designed curriculum for advanced placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and dual-enrollment courses. Her passion for literature and deep instructional knowledge make her a dynamic presence in the classroom.

Teaching Style
Molly believes in the power of storytelling to transform thinking and spark connection. Her lessons invite students to explore big ideas and find their voice.

Favorite Literary Quote
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” — Mary Oliver, “The Summer Day”
(As an English teacher, it’s really hard for Molly to choose just one. She’s also a fan of Shakespeare, Wuthering Heights, and Frederick Douglass.)

Favorite thing about Des Moines
The beautiful pockets of diversity and creativity all around the city.

Justin Dehmer, Founding Math Teacher

Experience
With over 20 years of experience teaching math, Justin has served as both a classroom teacher and instructional coach at Earlham High School and Southeast Polk. He’s taught everything from Pre-Algebra to Algebra 2 and is known for making math meaningful and engaging.

Teaching Style
Justin is passionate about helping students connect math to the real world. He loves creating “ah ha” moments where concepts click and confidence grows.

Favorite Quote
“No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.” — Theodore Roosevelt

Why Des Moines Prep?
Justin is excited about the opportunity to help launch Des Moines Prep and to build something excellent from the ground up. He’s ready to inspire, support, and grow alongside students every day.

Meet More Team Members

We also like to feature our new teachers and staff in our virtual events. If you missed our “Meet the Team” virtual event, you can watch the replay to meet Kate Leo, Founding Language Arts Teacher and Reading Interventionist, Nate Evans, Dean of Culture, and Austin Hudson, Founding Math Teacher.