By 2025, KIPP DC will build upon two decades of proven results to develop into a more impactful, innovative, and inclusive school system that provides joyful, identity-affirming learning experiences so that all students and alumni achieve extraordinary outcomes. We are a network of 20 schools educating 7,300 students and employing 1,300 teachers, leaders, and staff members dedicated to our mission.

Our work is grounded in a commitment to excellence, equity, and justice. We believe all students have the right to rigorous, relevant, and joyful learning experiences led by exceptionally talented and diverse educators who promote student achievement and a sense of belonging. We pride ourselves on providing unparalleled professional development and leadership opportunities. We acknowledge the demands of the teaching profession and continually seek to improve sustainability, benefits, and supports for teachers. We are seeking teachers who are passionate about educational equity, driven by student and family relationships, and constantly seeking to grow.

SPECIAL EDUCATION AT KIPP DC:

At KIPP DC, we employ special education teachers PreK3-12th grade in all of our 18 schools and The Learning Center. Special education teachers at KIPP DC work alongside general education teachers, the student support team, and families to create intentional and rigorous goals and supports for our students with individual educational plans (IEP). Our special education team offers a tiered system of support to ensure that students are receiving the targeted instruction they deserve. KIPP DC offers a variety of models that include both inclusion and small group settings. Primary (PreK3-4th grade) special educators focus on both literacy and math instruction while secondary (5th-12th) special educators are responsible for a specific content area. Special education teachers report to their school leader while also receiving coaching and support from our student support team.

THE LEARNING CENTER:

Grounded in the values of determination, flexibility, respect, and joy, The Learning Center (TLC) provides individualized learning support for the PreK4-8th grade students who are enrolled in KIPP DC schools, and who benefit from specialized educational supports. Students are engaged in a small, safe, and supportive learning environment that can nimbly respond to their needs and accelerate their learning. With a 3:1 student to adult ratio, TLC is able to provide a comprehensive intervention program to meet students academic, behavioral and adaptive needs based on their unique profile.  

The Learning Center staff is made up of teachers, related service providers, behavior analysts and mental health providers who work together to ensure students are provided with individualized interventions designed to accelerate their growth. TLC staff receive professional development aligned to KIPP DC grade level curriculum and interventions, and pilots individualized interventions when needed to meet the needs of all students. 

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

At KIPP DC, we offer a variety of resources to support our special educators. Special education teachers have access to blended learning programs to supplement their curriculum and receive specific coaching from our special education and academic coaches to help tailor their lesson plans to meet the student needs. Each campus has student support leaders to serve as a guide throughout the IEP process. For candidates who are looking for additional development, we also offer the Fellowship in Special Education that prepares teachers to become certified in special education in the District of Columbia.

KEY REQUIREMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Unquestioned integrity and commitment to KIPP DC’s mission and to advancing its antiracist ambition through their work with staff, students, alumni, and families
•  Subscribe to the Vision for Teaching Excellence and commit/contribute to constant professional growth and development
•  Build trusting relationships with staff, students, and families
•  Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and make adjustments as needed to support students and families
• Show initiative in generating ideas and solutions; solves problems and achieves results beyond what is expected
• Display an incredible work ethic and a passion for being part of a team-oriented, mission-driven school culture
•  Internalize and teach challenging and engaging lessons linked to Common Core and informed by instructional data
• Build a classroom culture that empowers students, affirms their identities, and creates a sense of belonging for all students
• Implement the school-wide and classroom management policies and practices
• Serve as a case manager for students with Individualized Educational Plans (IEP’s)
• Work closely with members of the student support team to write IEP’s, monitor student progress, and present data to all stakeholders
• When applicable, mentor a Capital Teaching Resident (CTR) or instructional support staff member, if assigned to your classroom, by modeling excellent teaching, gradually releasing classroom teaching responsibilities, and implementing weekly coaching and feedback conversations
•  While students receive instruction from 8:00am-4:00pm, KIPP DC teachers are on duty in school Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 5:30pm two times a week, and 7:30am to 4:35pm three times a week.
• Perform morning, lunch, and afternoon duties as assigned
• Perform clerical duties, as required, relating to textbooks, instructional supplies, student reports and records, attendance reports, etc.
• Attend staff meetings, professional development sessions, and team meetings
• Respond to student and family phone calls as soon as possible
• Pass a criminal background check, as required by law
• Additional responsibilities may arise during the school year.  This could include but not limited to: attending staff and student field trips, open houses, parent-teacher conferences, home visits, and other events involving parents and students as needed. They will be communicated to all employees with as much notice and flexibility as possible.

• Bachelor’s degree (Required)
• Commitment to working with students from communities with limited access to quality educational opportunities (Required)
• At least one of teaching experience in a public school (Strongly Preferred)
• KIPP DC prefers all teachers to be “Highly Qualified”, which includes a Bachelor’s degree and passing the appropriate Praxis exam(s) (Preferred)
• Bachelor’s degree in content area (Preferred)
• Experience/strength in content area (Preferred)

Compensation and Benefits:

• KIPP DC offers an extremely competitive compensation and benefits package. You can view our full benefits and salary information here. 
• Salaries for staff are competitive with added compensation for KIPP DC’s extended day and year. 
• KIPP DC offers its employees competitive rates for medical, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance. KIPP DC’s plans include options for Health Savings Accounts, Flex Spending Accounts, and access to OneMedical.
• KIPP DC also offers its employees a 403(b) retirement account with employer contributions and matches vesting after three years.
• All employees who use public transit are eligible for pre-tax deductions for transportation costs through a partnership with WMATA
• Teachers are provided with a laptop computer for work and access to a discounted cell phone plan for staff/student/parent calls.
• Teachers have access to KIPP DC’s additional development and enrichment opportunities such as RELAY’s Masters of Arts in Teaching program, Special Education Fellowship, School Culture Champion Grants, Classroom Innovation Grants, and various fellowship and pilot programs launched each year
• KIPP DC has various support programs in place during the pandemic, including extended sick leave and robust health and safety protocols and training programs

Please apply immediately, as applications are accepted and roles are filled on a rolling basis. All interested applicants should visit https://www.kippdc.org/join-our-team/apply-now/. For questions or issues with your application, please contact [email protected].

KIPP DC Public Schools does not discriminate against, or tolerate discrimination against, employees or applicants for employment on any legally-recognized basis or protected class including, but not limited to, actual or perceived race, color, national origin, immigration status (except as necessary to comply with federal, DC, state, or local law), religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity or expression), marital status (including domestic partnership status), genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, family responsibilities, personal appearance, veteran status, uniform service member status, status of being unemployed, status of victim a survivor of domestic violence, sexual offense or stalking, matriculation or any other protected class under federal, state, DC, or local law. 

Click here or here to review KIPP DC’s non-discrimination policy and KIPP DC’s Title IX Coordinator’s contact information.

KIPP DC requires all staff to provide proof that they are up to date on their COVID-19 vaccine (meaning they have received a full course of a COVID vaccine and receive a booster, when they are eligible) or obtain approval for exemption due to medical or religious reasons before beginning employment. New hires who have not received all doses of a COVID vaccine, who are eligible for a booster but have not received it, or who are awaiting approval for exemption will not be able to begin employment.