Instructional Assistant - The Learning Center

KIPP DC; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

KIPP DC is seeking a committed Instructional Assistant for TLC to support PreK3-8th grade learners with targeted interventions and progress monitoring. You will implement research-based curricula, assist with daily classroom tasks, and collaborate with Lead Teachers to meet student goals in a bustling urban school setting.

As part of a team, you will contribute to a safe, joyful learning environment, attend regular professional development, and help students develop essential academic and life

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of one year of experience working directly with children.
• Experience working with nonverbal students.
• Experience working with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• Commitment to working with underserved students.
• Demonstrates energy, collaboration, reliability and integrity.

Responsibilities

• Work with a Lead Teacher to teach the designed curriculum so that all students reach grade level goals.
• Leading small group reading, math or social instruction.
• Lead homeroom morning meetings.
• Leading some whole group instruction.
• Meet weekly with Lead Teacher and grade level chair to discuss weekly objectives and monthly themes.
• Observe Lead Teachers and Capital Teaching Residents for best practices.
• Meet weekly with all Instructional Assistants to participate in professional development workshops.
• Cover classes while Lead Teachers are participating in weekly grade level meetings.
• Assist Lead Teachers with the classroom's daily preparations (materials, meals, open houses).
• Attend professional development sessions (monthly, weekly, daily feedback).
• The ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Additional responsibilities may arise with notice.

Skills

Strong communication

Energetic

Collaborative

Flexible

Integrity-driven

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree (Preferred)

Job description

2026-2027 KIPP DC: TLC’s Instructional Assistant Job Description

For 25 years, KIPP DC has partnered with students, families, and the community to create joyful, academically excellent schools across the nation’s capital. Today, our network of 22 schools educate more than 7,500 students in grades PreK3-12, supported by 1,500 dedicated teachers, leaders, and staff.

Our work is grounded in five pillars–Academic Excellence, Joy & Sense of Belonging, Highly Effective Teachers and Leaders, Safe, Structured, and Nurturing Learning Environments, and Commitment to College Readiness–which ensure every student is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue success in college, careers, and beyond. Our schools combine high expectations with joyful, affirming environments that nurture academic success and personal growth for students and staff alike.

As part of the national KIPP network, we share best practices and innovations while maintaining deep roots in Washington, D.C. Together, we strive toward a future without limits for our students, alumni, and community.

Job Description

Grounded in the values ofdetermination,flexibility,respect, andjoy, The Learning Center provides individualized learning support for the PreK3-8th grade students who are enrolled in KIPP DC schools, and who benefit from specialized educational supports. Students are engaged ina small, safe, and supportive learning environmentthat can nimbly respond to their needs and accelerate their learning. With a3:1 student to classroom staff ratio, students learn through a research-based curriculum with targeted interventions and wrap‑around supports.

We are looking for highly dedicated educators who bring an unwavering commitment to helping early childhood students succeed. TLC’s teachers are responsible for using Zearn, RGR, Tools of The Mind, Edmark Reading, Equals Math, Zoophonics, and other curriculums to deliver effective, high-quality, rigorous instruction that produces academic results and student growth. The TLC community holds itself to high standards, cognizant that success can be achieved by all through teamwork, tenacity and focused dedication.

Instructional Assistants at KIPP DC work to develop a desire for learning in our students. We are looking for creative and passionate Assistant Teachers to work in our classrooms. TLC believes in using researchers based interventions, lessons aligned to IEP goals and rigorous progress monitoring to ensure our students develop essential skills in academics and in life to be able to live independently in the future.

WHY TEACH AT KIPP DC SCHOOLS

• Collaboration. Through ample planning time, grade level and content meetings, and development and wellness days, teachers work collaboratively with peers at their school and across our six middle schools.
• Growth. Teachers receive feedback and support from school leaders, network content coaches, grade‑level chairs, and other teammates to improve their teaching craft. We also offer opportunities to develop leadership skills including grade‑level chair, fellowships, and leadership cohorts.
• School culture. School culture at the elementary school level is grounded in creating joyful, identity‑affirming learning environments that produce extraordinary outcomes for all students.
• Highly competitive compensation and benefits. Our instructional salary scales are at the top of the DC market and affirm KIPP DC’s value of teachers as the cornerstone of schools.

KEY REQUIREMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with a Lead Teacher to teach the designed curriculum so that all students reach grade level goals.
• Leading small group reading, math or social instruction.
• Lead homeroom morning meetings.
• Leading some whole group instruction.
• Meet weekly with Lead Teacher and grade level chair to discuss and reflect upon weekly objectives and monthly themes.
• Observe Lead Teachers and Capital Teaching Residents for best practices.
• Meet weekly with all Instructional Assistants to participate in professional development workshops.
• Cover classes while Lead Teachers are participating in weekly grade level meetings.
• Assist Lead Teachers with the classroom's daily preparations which may include, but are not limited to:
  • Materials preparation (copying, lamination, sorting, cutting, pasting, etc.)
  • Assistance with delivery and cleanup of breakfast, lunch and snack
  • Helping with monthly open houses
• Attend professional development sessions which may include, but are not limited to:
  • Monthly sessions with School Leader
  • Weekly meetings with Lead Teacher
  • Daily feedback on lessons from Lead Teacher
  • Observation feedback from school leader
  • In‑school professional development sessions and workshops
• The ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Additional responsibilities may arise during the school year. They will be communicated to all Assistant Teachers with as much notice and flexibility as possible.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or General Education Development Certificate (Required)
• Bachelor’s degree (Preferred)
• Minimum of one year of experience working directly with children (Required)
• Experience working with nonverbal students (Required)
• Experience working with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Required)
• Commitment to working with underserved students (Required)
• Experience teaching in an urban school (Preferred)
• Demonstrate a passion for working with young children and dedicated to doing whatever it takes to provide the best education possible to the students of KIPP DC.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and the ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics.
• Must be energetic, collaborative, reliable, flexible and integrity‑drive.
• Strong communication skills in order to ensure effective, positive interactions with their teaching team, staff, families, and children.
• Have a problem solving mindset and demonstrate flexibility to adapt to changes in your assignment or student population.

Additional Information

KIPP DC requires all staff to provide proof that they have had all doses of a primary COVID vaccine or obtain approval for exemption for medical or religious reasons before beginning employment. New hires who have not received all doses of a primary vaccine or who are waiting approval for exemption will not be able to begin employment.

All KIPP DC staff are strongly encouraged to stay up to date on their vaccinations. The CDC currently defines being up to date on the COVID vaccine as having had all doses of a primary vaccine and as having received a booster, if eligible.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

KIPP DC Public Schools does not discriminate against, or tolerate discrimination against, employees or applicants for employment on any legally-recognized basis or protected class including, but not limited to, actual or perceived race, color, national origin, immigration status (except as necessary to comply with federal, DC, state, or local law), religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity or expression), marital status (including domestic partnership status), genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, family responsibilities, personal appearance, veteran status, uniform service member status, status of being unemployed, status of victim a survivor of domestic violence, sexual offense or stalking, matriculation or any other protected class under federal, state, DC, or local law.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

KIPP DC Public Schools does not discriminate against, or tolerate discrimination against, employees or applicants for employment on any legally-recognized basis or protected class including, but not limited to, actual or perceived race, color, national origin, immigration status (except as necessary to comply with federal, DC, state, or local law), religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity or expression), marital status (including domestic partnership status), genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, family responsibilities, personal appearance, veteran status, uniform service member status, status of being unemployed, status of victim a survivor of domestic violence, sexual offense or stalking, matriculation or any other protected class under federal, state, DC, or local law.