IMMEDIATE: 25-26 Elementary Special Ed Lead Teacher
4 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants.
About KIPP
Company Description
About KIPP
KIPP Public Schools is a national network of tuition‑free public charter schools preparing students
with the skills and confidence needed to create the futures they want for themselves, their
communities, and us all. We are a network of 279 schools, nearly 16,500 educators, and
210,000 students and alumni.b>KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools (KPPS) is part of the national
KIPP Public Schools network and currently leads eight schools serving 3,400 students in
North and West Philadelphia. By 2030, KPPS will be serving approximately 4,000 students.
KPPS Mission
Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that
prepare students to pursue the paths they choose—college, career, and beyond—so they can
lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world.
Life at KIPP Philly
At KPPS, we believe that talented, committed, and culturally competent educators and staff are
the foundation of our students' success. We work to create a professional community
grounded in joy, candor, care, and connection—where every team member can bring their
authentic self, grow in their craft, and contribute to meaningful work. Here is what you can
expect:
- Commitment to Anti‑Racism & Equity: Join a team dedicated to dismantling systemic
barriers and creating inclusive, culturally responsive schools where all students and
staff can thrive.
- Joyful, Inclusive Community: Work in a collaborative, identity‑affirming environment
that values relationships, celebrates individuality, and supports the well‑being of
adults and children alike.
- Competitive & Equitable Compensation: Benefit from transparent compensation
structures, including performance‑based bonuses that recognize meaningful
contributions.
- Professional Growth & Leadership Pathways: Access high‑quality development—
including coaching, workshops, and tailored leadership opportunities—designed to
support your long‑term career trajectory.
- Authenticity & Belonging: Be part of a culture that encourages you to show up as
your full self and contribute to a community rooted in trust and respect.
- People‑Centered Excellence: Join colleagues who believe strong relationships and
thoughtful preparation drive excellent outcomes—for students and for staff.
- Comprehensive Well‑Being Support: Receive whole‑person support through coaching,
mental health resources, wellness initiatives, and team‑building experiences that
prioritize your professional and personal growth.
Job Description
We are seeking a talented, committed, culturally competent Elementary Special Ed Teacher to
join the team at KIPP Philadelphia Elementary Academy (KPEA) for the 25‑26 school year!
The Special Education Teacher will manage a caseload and provide direct support for
students with special needs to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional,
physical and social growth. This teacher will demonstrate professional leadership
through collaborative case management with general education teachers, para‑professionals,
and related service providers.
Classroom Responsibilities
- Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities,
materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and
needs of individual students, including Functional Academics, Daily Living Skills,
Transition Skills, and Social Skills.
- Use progress monitoring tools to analyze student results for the purpose of
modifying and adjusting strategies, programming and IEPs.
- Use data to inform instructional decisions.
- Provide students with daily feedback on mastery performance in character and
academics and plan for individual learning needs.
- Demonstrate strong pedagogy.
Special Education Responsibilities
- Develop, monitor, and evaluate the effectiveness of individualized education
plans.
- Meet with general education teachers, para professionals, and related service
providers to review IEPs, answer questions, and collaborate on strategies and
supports as needed to implement IEPs faithfully.
- Liaise with parents via trainings, meetings, and consultations.
- Provide case management for Special Education caseload and provide instruction to
students receiving special education supports.
Professional Responsibilities
- Take ownership for the development of your craft (meet 1×/1‑2 weeks with an
instructional coach, implement feedback, engage in active practice, etc.).
- Actively engage in all school‑wide professional development.
- Serve as a positive, contributing member of a grade team, collaborating with
colleagues to tackle common challenges and implement grade‑wide initiatives.
- Share candid, solutions‑oriented feedback with peers and school leadership on a
regular basis.
- Embody KPPS core values: Children First, Cultural Competence, Ownership, Community.
- Enroll in/complete a teacher certification program (if applicable).
School Responsibilities
- Arrive at school by 8:00 a.m. and stay until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Attend designated school functions outside of school hours (Back to School Night,
Report Card Conferences, Community Events, etc.).
- Contribute to the planning and execution of all school‑wide events.
- Develop strong relationships with the families of students through home visits,
participation in school events and phone calls home.
- Perform necessary support duties including (but not limited to) bus, lunch, and
dismissal duties.
- Chaperone field lessons/field trips.
- Additional responsibilities may arise during the school year; they will be
communicated to all employees with as much notice and flexibility as possible.
Qualifications
Who You Are:
- You love and see the high potential of all children.
- You have experience driving student growth and achievement and creating a warm,
inclusive, rigorous learning environment.
- You have a passion for facilitating professional learning, including a desire to
continuously grow and learn as a leader.
- You operate with cultural competence and a commitment to inclusion, anti‑racism, and the
eradication of anti‑Blackness.
- You believe that teachers are the primary drivers of student growth, learning, and
achievement.
- You have high expectations for students and teachers and the ability to motivate,
inspire and hold others accountable.
- You are solutions‑orientated and have an eagerness to adapt to solve problems.
Qualifications & Credentials:
- 2+ years of full‑time teaching experience (outside of substitute teaching) in an
urban setting strongly preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Pennsylvania State certification Level I or II strongly preferred. If uncertified,
must:
- Enroll in a PA‑approved certification program within one year of hire.
- Submit transcripts upon hire (required for emergency permit application).
- Complete all required criminal and child abuse background checks prior to start date:
- PA State Police Clearance
- PA Child Abuse Clearance
- Cogent Federal Fingerprinting
Additional Information
Compensation:
- The salary range for this position is commensurate upon experience and certification status:
- Uncertified Range: $55,000 – $81,000+
- Certified Range: $62,500 – $93,500+
- Teacher salaries at KPPS are equitable and transparent. To maintain equity,
teacher salaries are determined by a combination of years of teaching experience
and certification status. All candidates are welcome to ask their recruiter how
their experience and credentials will translate to their salary.
- All full‑time team members at KPPS enjoy a comprehensive health benefits package
(including vision and dental, a telehealth option, and flexible spending accounts)
for themselves and their families as well as a 403B matching program for
savings and free access to financial advising services.
- Uncertified teachers have access to $5,000 in tuition reimbursement to pursue
certification at a Pennsylvania‑approved certification program.
Note To Applicants:
- KIPP Philadelphia Schools is an equal opportunity employer. Employees are selected on
the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin,
disability, marital status, or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and
state law.