2026–2027 Lead Elementary School Teacher (ELA)

KIPP Jacksonville Public Schools; Jacksonville (FL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits (medical, dental, vision)

403(b) retirement program with company match

Individualized coaching and professional development

Job summary

KIPP Jacksonville Public Schools is looking for a Lead Elementary Teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. This role involves creating a positive classroom, implementing curriculum, and collaborating with colleagues while nurturing student relationships. Candidates must have a Bachelor’s Degree and relevant Florida Teaching Certification, along with experience in a classroom setting. The starting salary is $50,000, accompanied by health benefits and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• At least one complete year of teaching experience with a proven track-record of high achievement.
• Demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive and healthy community for students.
• Must pass a required background check.

Responsibilities

• Create a positive classroom environment and implement curriculum.
• Assess students and collaborate with their team.
• Build relationships with families and contribute to school culture.

Skills

Classroom management

Curriculum implementation

Collaboration

Relationship building with families

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Florida Teaching Certification

Job description

KIPP Public Schools is a national network of tuition‑free public schools educating nearly 190,000 students in grades Pre‑K through 12 across 21 states and Washington, DC. We are united around a shared promise: Together, a Future Without Limits.

WHY TEACH AT KIPP?

We see the gifts in everyone who walks through the doors of our schools—especially our teachers. Their skill, energy, love, and determination shine on good days and hard days. We support our teachers to make the most of those gifts.

The KIPP Difference

• Respect – We honor teachers’ innate talent, desire to learn, professional growth, and the lives they lead beyond our walls. Pay and benefits reflect our appreciation for the invaluable role teachers play in lighting paths to opportunity for students.
• Support – As teachers progress through the day, the year, and their careers, we ensure they always feel the KIPP Team and Family at their backs, with opportunities to lead and grow.
• Purpose – Together, students, schools, families, and communities share an ambitious mission to create a future without limits. We need talented teachers to realize it. Shape the future for your students and yourself.

KIPP Jacksonville Public Schools is part of the KIPP national network. 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.

Faculty Hours

• K‑8 Staff: 7:30 am – 4:30 pm; K‑8 Students: 8:00 am – 3:30 pm (Wednesday dismissal at 1:30 pm)
• High School Staff: 6:45 am – 3:45 pm; High School Students: 7:15 am – 2:30 pm (Wednesday dismissal at 12:30 pm)

Every Wednesday is a student early release day, allowing teachers to participate in weekly professional development and content team meetings.

Job Description

Lead Elementary teachers will work in Kindergarten‑4th grade classrooms in the 2026‑2027 school year. Teachers are assigned one grade level and are responsible for creating a positive classroom environment, implementing curriculum, assessing students, collaborating with their team, building relationships with families, and other duties as assigned. Full responsibilities are ultimately outlined by their Principal.

Our Current Model

• Kindergarten‑2nd Grade: Some lead teachers work with a certified novice teacher (fellow) in a co‑teaching model. Lead teachers share responsibility and accountability. Class size is approximately 26 students. Other K‑2 classrooms feature a single certified teacher and typically a paraprofessional. All K‑2 classrooms are self‑contained and are responsible for at least English Language Arts and Math instruction.
• 3rd‑4th Grade: All lead teachers are departmentalized. A single lead teacher in each classroom teaches specific subjects (e.g., only math, only ELA). Class size is approximately 26 students. Teachers plan for one subject and teach lessons to multiple cohorts.

Fifth grade is part of the middle school model and requires a separate application.

Compensation and Benefits

Starting salary for a first‑year lead teacher: $50,000.

• Access to individual health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• Access to individual short‑term and long‑term disability insurance
• 403(b) retirement program with company match
• Individualized coaching and professional development for all lead teachers
• Stipends may be available for certified New‑to‑KIPP instructional staff (history average $11,000) and other instructional stipends for those with Florida Department of Education certification.
• Terms may vary each school year and will be outlined in an offer letter if issued.

Qualifications

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Relevant Florida Teaching Certification or eligibility in K‑6 Elementary or PK‑3 Elementary
• At least one complete year of teaching experience with a proven track‑record of high achievement in the classroom
• Demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive, healthy, and empowering community for students
• Pass a required background check, in accordance with Florida House Bill 531 (Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse)

Highly Preferred Qualifications

• Florida Reading Endorsement (or reading competency coursework in progress) if teaching English Language Arts
• ESOL Endorsement (or competency coursework in progress)
• Two or more years of teaching experience with a proven track‑record of high achievement in a relevant grade level

Certification

For questions about Florida certification, visit https://www.fldoe.org/edcert. Applicants should list all details about their certification status, including a Florida statement of eligibility or an out‑of‑state teaching certificate.

Equal Employment Opportunity

KIPP Jacksonville Public Schools is committed to a policy of equal treatment for all individuals applying for employment at our schools. KIPP Jacksonville does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.