Elementary Teachers (Grades K-3)

Overview:

KIPP, or the Knowledge is Power Program, is a national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools in educationally underserved communities. There are currently 125 KIPP schools in 20 states and the District of Columbia serving more than 39,000 students. KIPP Philadelphia Schools (KPS) is a part of the national KIPP Network and currently has four schools, serving students in both North and West Philadelphia. Within the next six years, KIPP programming in Philadelphia will include ten schools, serving more than 4,400 students in grades K-12.

KIPP Philadelphia Elementary Academy (KPEA), an open-enrollment public charter elementary school located in North Philadelphia, opened with 75 new kindergarten students in 2010 and will continue to grow one grade level at a time until it reaches its full capacity at approximately 375 children in grades kindergarten through fourth. For the 2013-14 school year, KPEA seeks elementary school teachers for a founding third grade team as well as various other K-2 teaching positions.

KIPP Encourage Elementary Academy (Encourage) will open in August 2013 as the second elementary school in KPS, in order to meet the needs of students and families in West Philadelphia. In its first year, KPEE will serve approximately 100 kindergarten students and seeks a founding Kindergarten grade level team. At full capacity, Encourage will grow to grades K-4 with approximately 500 students.

Job Description:

Each teacher at KPS is required to perform the following duties:

• Believe deeply in the mission and values of KIPP Philadelphia Schools and subscribe to KIPP's Five Pillars
• Hold high expectations for each student
• Possess an extensive knowledge of content area
• Exhibit positive rapport with students, families and staff
• Act as a role model for students
• Create and teach challenging and engaging lessons linked to state standards
• Assist in development of curriculum standards and mapping
• Demonstrate strong pedagogy and effective classroom management
• Implement the school-wide student management policies within classrooms and throughout school
• Create and foster a positive learning environment
• Track student progress
• Establish and maintain strong communication lines with all families
• Continually improve teaching skills by seeking out constructive feedback and professional development opportunities
• Attend all staff meetings and other professional development sessions
• Be available for report card nights and other events involving families
• Serve on school committees as needed
• Perform clerical duties, as required, relating to textbooks, instructional supplies, student reports and records, attendance reports, etc.
• Remain on call in the evenings (via school cell phone) to provide student support
• Other duties as assigned by the school leader

Qualifications

KPS requires the following qualifications for all teachers:

• Highly Qualified status as defined by the Pennsylvania Department of Education
• Experience/strength in content area
• Willingness to work towards Pennsylvania State certification
• Commitment to working with underserved students
• Pass all required criminal and child abuse background checks

KPS prefers the following qualifications:

• Pennsylvania Certification (I or II)
• Masters in Education/Teaching or content area
• At least two years of teaching experience in content area
• Experience teaching in an urban school

Compensation

Salary is competitive with other Charter Management Organizations (CMO's) and commensurate with experience. The schools offer a comprehensive benefits package.