Special Education Teacher (Self-Contained)

KIPP Foundation; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

KIPP Kansas City is seeking a passionate Special Education Teacher to provide exceptional instruction in a self-contained classroom. This role focuses on delivering tailored educational support and fostering a safe, inclusive environment for students with special needs. The ideal candidate will be committed to educational equity and building strong relationships with students and families. Join us in making a difference in the lives of underserved communities.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision options

Life insurance

Fertility and disability plans

Professional growth and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Relentless focus on results and a commitment to teamwork.
• Deep commitment to educational equity and underserved communities.

Responsibilities

• Provide modifications and accommodations as stated on the student’s IEP.
• Collaborate with content and grade-level teams to promote critical thinking.

Skills

Commitment to KIPP KC’s mission and values

Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse environment

Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Fosters an inclusive environment for students, staff, and families

Works effectively with colleagues and stakeholders

Builds strong relationships within the KIPP KC community

Education

Valid Missouri Teaching license

Special Education certification

Job description

Special Education Teacher (Self-Contained)

• Full-time
• Grade Level: Elementary
• Subject: Special Education
• Start Date: Immediate opening
• Department: Teacher

About KIPP Kansas City Public Schools:

KIPP Kansas City Public Schools is part of a nationwide network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory charter schools dedicated to preparing students in educationally underserved communities for success in college and life. Our strength as a region serves as a catalyst for empowerment, change, and hope.

Founded in 2007, KIPP Kansas City Public Schools began with KIPP Endeavor Academy, serving approximately 31 fifth-grade students. Today, we educate approximately 1,000 students from Pre-K through 12th grade, with our community continuing to expand. Together with families and communities, we strive to create joyful, academically excellent schools that equip students with the skills and confidence to pursue their chosen paths—whether college, career, or beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and contribute to a more just world.

Position Overview:

Every member of the Team & Family at KIPP KC plays a critical role in ensuring our students are on the path toward college, career, and beyond. Our educators are passionate advocates for our students and families, working tirelessly to connect them with access to opportunity for lives of power and choice. As a Self-Contained Special Education Teacher, you will deliver exceptional instruction and assess student growth. You are dedicated to constant learning and proactively provide academic and cultural support to your school and team. You are deeply committed to educational equity, building relationships with students and families so they are safe, seen, heard, and loved.

Key Responsibilities:

Instructional Delivery and Assessment

• Provide modifications and accommodations as stated on the student’s IEP.
• Write IEPs with appropriate data on student performance for all students on caseload.
• Facilitate ARD meetings for students on their caseloads.
• Seek out present levels of performance from general education teachers and related service providers.
• Instructionally plan and teach in deficit areas (reading, writing, math); provide optimal learning environment for students with special needs.
• Provide support to general education teachers with modifications and accommodations and ensure services are being provided in the classroom setting.
• Provide testing accommodations as needed in a one-on-one or small group setting.
• Collaborate and determine a strategy with general education teachers on ways to help service students in the general education setting.
• Ensure service minutes in IEP are met.
• Document all collaboration/consultative meetings.
• Progress monitor goals and objectives for students on their caseload.
• Document Parent Contact and Service Minutes into eSPED.
• Document Behavior and Restraint into eSPED.
• Other duties as specified by school leadership teams.

Academic and Cultural Support

• Collaborate with content and grade-level teams to promote an environment of critical thinking and academic rigor.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with students and families based on trust and respect.
• Participate in the daily functions of the school such as morning, lunch, and afternoon supervisory duties.
• Attend critical school events such as staff meetings, open houses, and parent-teacher conferences.
• Develop individualized learning plans for students and communicate these plans to families in parent meetings and conferences.
• Meet professional obligations including timeliness and consistency in meeting deadlines.

Qualifications:

• Relentless focus on results and a commitment to teamwork
• Deep commitment to educational equity and underserved communities
• Valid Missouri Teaching license with required certification for subject and level assigned* Special Education certification for applicable grade level required for all Special Education teacher assignments.
• Demonstrated knowledge of core subject area assigned
• Satisfactory outcome of a background check

*Applicants currently pursuing a certification may apply before certification is received. All certifications must be acquired and on file with KIPP KC before the end of the first year of employment.

Skills and Competencies:

• Commitment to KIPP KC’s mission and values
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse environment
• Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Fosters an inclusive environment for students, staff, and families
• Works effectively with colleagues and stakeholders
• Builds strong relationships within the KIPP KC community

Physical Requirements:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.
• The person in this position needs to be able to move about inside and outside the school or office throughout the workday.
• The candidate is expected to attend conferences, meetings and training sessions both virtually and in person within the Region.
• Reports to work Monday-Friday and some weekends.
• A typical school or office environment with frequent interruptions.

Travel Requirements:

• Ability to travel to work location.

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary is based on years of experience, educational background, and level of expertise.

As a full-time KIPP Kansas City employee, you are eligible to participate in all KIPP Kansas City benefit plans. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits with competitive rates, including medical, dental, and vision options, as well as life insurance, fertility, and disability plans.

KIPP Kansas City is committed to the professional growth and development of our staff. We provide numerous opportunities for advancement, ongoing professional development, and leadership training to help you achieve your career goals.

KIPP Kansas City provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.