Middle School Teachers (Grades 5-8)

About KIPP Philadelphia Schools:

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.

The mission of KPS is to develop the character, knowledge, and skills of our students so they will succeed in college, giving them the freedom to shape their futures and positively affect their communities. Our vision is to achieve our mission at critical mass -- a cluster of schools in Philadelphia -- thereby reinvigorating public education in this city through the performance of our students and the leadership of our educators. Within the next six years, KIPP programming in Philadelphia will include ten schools, over 4,400 students in grades K-12, over 370 employees, and an operating budget greater than $60 million.

Job Description:

KPS is seeking exceptional middle school teachers in grades 5-8. 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 • Possess an extensive knowledge of and enthusiasm for content area • Exhibit positive rapport with students, parents and staff • Act as a role model for students • Create and teach challenging, engaging and differentiated lessons linked to state standards, ensuring all students learn • Participate in the development of curriculum standards and mapping • Create and foster a positive, safe learning environment that incorporates the school's core values, high expectations and code of conduct • Demonstrate strong pedagogy and effective classroom management • Implement the school-wide student management policies within classrooms and throughout school • Design and implement assessments that measure progress towards academic standards • Track student progress and use data to refine curriculum and inform instructional practices • Establish and maintain strong communication lines with all parents • 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 parents • Serve on school committees as needed • Remain on call in the evenings (via school cell phone) to provide student support • Perform clerical duties, as required, relating to textbooks, instructional supplies, student reports and records, attendance reports, etc. • Other duties as assigned by the school leader

Qualifications:

KPS requires the following qualifications for all lead teachers: • Commitment to working with educationally underserved students • Proven track-record of high student achievement • Mastery of and enthusiasm for subject/content area • Exhibit the school's core values of care, ganas, integrity and resiliency • Hold high expectations for all students and enforce the school code of conduct • Evidence of self-motivation and willingness to be a team player • Meet highly qualified status as defined by the Pennsylvania Department of Education • Willingness to work towards Pennsylvania State certification • Bachelor's degree • Pass all required criminal and child abuse background checks

KPS prefers the following qualifications: • Pennsylvania Certification (I or II) • Master's in Education/Teaching or content area • At least two years of teaching experience in an urban school