[2024-2024] KIPP Charlotte Lower Elementary Lead Teacher (K-2)

KIPP NC is a network of eight high-performing, college-preparatory public charter schools providing an academically rigorous and joyous school experience to more than 3,500 students in grades K-12 in Charlotte, Durham, Gaston, and Halifax. KIPP NC supports several thousand alumni on their journey to and through high school, college, and career.   

KIPP NC is building on a rich tradition of academic excellence and relentless fight for social justice present from the founding of both KIPP ENC and KIPP Charlotte. KIPP ENC is the second oldest KIPP region in the nation. In its 20 years of operation, KIPP ENC has been a cornerstone for students and families in rural Gaston and Halifax, operating two primary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. Over the past five years, it grew to serve even more students by opening up a middle school in Durham, an urban center in the center part of the state. KIPP Charlotte, which grew out of the strong traditions and academics of KIPP ENC, has supported students and families for the past 13 years, operating one primary school and one middle school in the largest city in North Carolina.

KIPP North Carolina is building upon the successes and experiences of KIPP ENC and KIPP Charlotte to provide inclusive school environments and an educational program that will enable our students to lead full lives and equip graduates to be future leaders and agents of change in North Carolina and beyond. KIPP NC is engaging in direct, anti-racist work, and contributes meaningfully to the dismantling of structures of inequality within our organization, schools, and classrooms. We’re committed to expanding our efforts to embed anti-racism in all of our activities and engagements within our classrooms and schools, across our organization, and throughout the State of North Carolina. All of this will be in a tireless effort to create classrooms that are homeplaces for our students, places where they feel safe, loved, validated, seen, and heard, places where all their beautiful identities will be affirmed and celebrated, and places where they will learn the academic knowledge and skills needed for college, career, and beyond.

Your responsibilities as a Lead Teacher

KIPP North Carolina teachers are at the core of our mission to help students develop the knowledge, skills, and character strengths needed to succeed throughout their education and in the competitive world beyond.  As a KIPP North Carolina Teacher, your core responsibilities include:

 Curriculum Development and Instruction

• Adapt and execute a rigorous, standards-aligned curriculum

• Develop academically rigorous lessons, unit plans, rubrics and assessments

•  Use data to inform instructional decisions

•  Provide students with daily feedback on performance and plan for individual learning needs

 Help Build a Positive School and Classroom Culture

• Embody and maintain school’s values, policies and culture

•  Develop positive relationships with students, families, teachers and staff

• Establish and maintain strong communication with all parents and share progress

•  Show up for critical school events, including: staff meetings, open houses, parent teacher conferences and more

 Demonstrate a Growth Mindset

• Pursue challenging professional goals each year

• Give and receive positive and constructive feedback with your colleagues

• Participate in school-wide and individual professional development

Qualifications

The following are required of all KIPP North Carolina teachers:

• A deep commitment to the mission of KIPP NC and an unwavering belief in the potential of all our students

• An unwavering commitment to anti-racism, equity, and inclusion

• Possess a deep commitment to both racial equity and improving the lives of kids from low-income communities; experience working within predominantly Black, Brown, and/or low-income communities

• Valid North Carolina teaching license, ability to seek reciprocity, or willingness to pursue state certification

• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant content area

• Passed or will pass the Praxis exams by July 2022

• Pass Criminal Background Check

•  Demonstrated commitment to closing the opportunity gap

• Zest, grit, professionalism, and a sense of humor

Preferred Qualifications

The following are not required but are advantageous for candidates:

• At least 2 full years of teaching experience

  • Elementary School: Prek – 6 

• Experience in teaching in a high performing charter school and/or schools with a high population of students with free and reduced lunch

• Demonstrated success in raising the achievement levels of traditionally under-served students

• Fluency in Spanish

Compensation is based on years of relevant years of experience and educational attainment.  You can see our Lead Teacher scale here.

We currently offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Healthcare (medical, vision, and dental) at no cost to individuals and deep discounts for dependents
• Enrollment in a 403b with employer match
• On-going professional development opportunities:
  • Support programs for new teachers
  • coaches and weekly coaching meetings for all teachers
  • Regular content and grade-level specific PDs

Generous time off:

• Paid Time Off
• Sick Leave and Extended Sick Leave
• Teacher work days after long breaks
• Time off for all major national holidays and observance of religious holidays 

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.