[2026-2027] Elementary School Lead Teacher

KIPP Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Daily prep period

Professional development

Mobile phone stipend

Social Emotional Learning curriculum

Job summary

KIPP Chicago is seeking an Elementary School Lead Teacher to join their nurturing school environment. This full-time position starts at the next academic year. The ideal candidate will have a passion for education and a commitment to the success of all students.

You will be responsible for implementing a rigorous curriculum, providing feedback to students, and developing a positive classroom culture. KIPP Chicago offers competitive compensation and a supportive community dedicated to professional growth.

Qualifications

• Strongly preferred Illinois Professional Educators License.
• Experience teaching in urban communities for two years preferred.
• CPS Background check clearance required before employment.

Responsibilities

• Use aligned regional curriculum for all subject areas.
• Analyze student results and modify instruction.
• Create a safe and joyful classroom environment.

Skills

Belief in student success

Growth mindset

Commitment to antiracism

Student behavior management

Effective communication

Education

Illinois Professional Educators License

Testing requirements of Illinois Charter Law

Tools

Apple Mac laptop

Job description

[2026-2027] Elementary School Lead Teacher

• Full-time
• Start Date: Next year opening
• Department: Teacher

About KIPP Chicago

At KIPP Chicago, we are guided by a simple, yet powerful mission: Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose—college, career, and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world. Our campuses are located in the Austin, Englewood, North Lawndale, and West Humboldt Park neighborhoods. KIPP Chicago also advises over 2000 KIPP alumni currently in high school or college through our KIPP Forward program.

About KIPP Public Schools

KIPP Chicago partners with the KIPP Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports schools across the country. KIPP Public Schools is a national network of public charter schools that prepares students with the skills and confidence to create the future they want for themselves, their communities, and us all. We are currently a network of 278 schools, nearly 15,000 educators, and 175,000 students and alumni. When you teach at KIPP, you’re part of a national network that partners with families and communities to create nurturing, rigorous, and joyful schools in pursuit of a more just world.

Our Teachers

At KIPP Chicago, we attract, develop, and retain a diverse and talented staff of educators. Our students and families choose our schools because our teachers are exceptional. Our educators work together as a collective to ensure students achieve and thrive. They have a passion for our mission, focus on results, care for students and one another, and lead classrooms with resilience, joy, and humility. For many of us, joining KIPP Chicago feels like coming home professionally. It’s the schools we always wished we worked at, but never knew existed. If you firmly believe that all students can learn, and you are eager to work alongside passionate educators committed to creating an equitable and inclusive school environment, we want to hear from you.

KIPP Chicago Elementary Teachers

At KIPP Chicago, elementary schools include grades K - 4. We have four elementary schools - KIPP Ascend Primary, KIPP Academy Chicago Primary, KIPP Bloom Primary, and KIPP One Primary. Teachers in grades K-2 teach all subjects, while teachers in grades 3 and 4 are departmentalized. When you apply for a position with KIPP Chicago, you’ll be considered for openings at all campuses that match your prior experience.

Core Responsibilities

• Mission Alignment
  • A belief that all students can and will be successful
  • A growth mindset about oneself and all others at the school, including a commitment to professional growth and development
  • A commitment to the mission and vision of KIPP Chicago and the pursuit of antiracism in our schools and work together
  • Regular and reliable on‑site attendance is essential to performing the responsibilities of this role.
• Curriculum and Instruction
  • Use our aligned regional curriculum for all subject areas, including assessing students in accordance with aligned curriculum
  • Use progress‑monitoring tools to analyze student results for the purpose of modifying and adjusting instruction
  • Provide students with daily feedback on performance and plan for individual learning needs
  • Use best practices, including differentiation with instructional technology and other techniques, to execute engaging instruction at a rigorous level for all students
• Care of Students and Commitment to School and Classroom Culture
  • Ensure that all students are affirmed, valued, and challenged every day
  • Use best practices in alignment with school‑wide systems to manage student behavior and create a safe, warm, demanding, and joyful classroom environment
  • Establish and maintain strong lines of communication with students and their families and share progress
  • Help develop school‑wide culture that best fits the needs of our students, staff, and families

Supports for Teachers

• A recent model of an Apple Mac laptop computer
• A stipend to support the cost of mobile phone usage
• A daily prep period each day
• Time each week devoted to analyzing student data and planning responsive instruction
• School‑wide Social Emotional Learning curriculum and practices
• Regular professional development rooted in antiracist practices and aligned to curriculum or role competencies.
• Principals and assistant principals who are routinely present throughout the building and day
• Weekly collaboration with grade level and content teams
• A team of ambitious, talented staff committed to our important work

Requirements

• Illinois Professional Educators License (strongly preferred)
• Meet testing requirements of Illinois Charter Law (Test of Academic Proficiency 400 and the appropriate content‑area test) (required)
• At least two years’ prior success teaching in urban communities (strongly preferred)
• A cleared CPS Background check before start of employment (required)

COMPENSATION

• Salaries based on experience related to role and responsibilities
• Contributions to the Chicago Teachers Pension Fund in accordance with Illinois state law
• Competitive rates for medical insurance and short‑term disability insurance. Dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, and long‑term disability insurance are offered at no cost.

EEO Statement

KIPP Chicago Public Schools is committed to a policy of equal treatment for all individuals applying for employment. KIPP Chicago does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic background. All of your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.