[2024 - 2025] KIPP Durham Elementary Exceptional Children Teacher Assistant

Company Description

Organizational Overview

Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) North Carolina, is a network of eight tuition-free, college-preparatory public charter schools educating approximately 3,000 students in grades K-12 in Durham, Halifax, Northampton and Mecklenburg counties. At KIPP NC, we are committed to improving the life outcomes of North Carolina’s children through the delivery of culturally relevant curricula that are grounded in research, and clearing the paths that our students choose to follow by ensuring that they have the roadmaps and guideposts they need to arrive at success - however they define it.

KIPP North Carolina is also committed to building the pipeline of the state’s most talented and effective teachers and leaders through competitive compensation, integrated professional development lead by coaches and mentors, and resources they need to succeed, all rooted in core values that articulate our collectively designed organizational beliefs:

Pursue Excellence - 

We uphold high standards for our staff, and are committed to providing the necessary resources, training, mentorship and feedback to help each staff member not only meet, but exceed, expectations. We believe excellence is a habit and a sustained pursuit, not an endpoint.

Build Knowledge - 

We offer our educators robust school-based, regional and external professional development opportunities, before the start of and during the school year, designed to empower them with the latest teaching strategies and technology integration techniques. School Leaders and a statewide teacher development team provide professional coaching for school-based staff and foster collaborative learning, encouraging the exploration of effective teaching strategies and best practices.

Fight Injustice -

As a staff, we dismantle the white supremacy within our institution and deepen our own learning and understanding of anti-racism and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) through providing organization-wide regular workshops designed to holistically guide us through the redesign of our workplace culture through the lens of liberation. Additionally, we train and prepare our educators to deliver culturally responsive curricula that respect learners' cultures and prior experiences, and acknowledge and value the legitimacy of different cultures, not just the dominant culture of a society. 

Spark Joy - 

We believe in publicly and privately acknowledging and celebrating the outstanding contributions of our staff, and recognize exceptional individuals across the region. We also understand the importance of fostering a positive and collaborative work environment. We organize monthly school-based staff outings to provide an opportunity for our team to unwind, socialize, and engage in activities that promote camaraderie and a sense of community.

Rise Together - 

We create space for our region to assemble and celebrate all successes - a space in which we strengthen community by embracing each other’s unique identities, and honoring the contributions that will allow us to lift as we rise in the years ahead. We believe Team always beats Individual. 

Job Description

KIPP North Carolina Exceptional Children Teaching Assistant

Support Curriculum Development and Instruction

• Help to adapt and execute rigorous, standards-aligned curricula
• Support teachers as they implement  academically rigorous lessons, unit plans, rubrics, and assessments
• Provide students with daily feedback on performance and plan for individual learning needs
• Receive guidance and materials from ELA / Math teachers on how to best support students who are struggling

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 families and share progress
• Attend critical school events, including: staff meetings, open houses, family teacher conferences, and more
• Support school operations through classroom coverage needs and contributing to other out-of-classroom activities, including before school, lunch, recess, and afterschool

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
• Other duties as assigned

KIPP Employee Mindsets

• All Means All: At KIPP NC, we believe we serve the needs and do whatever it takes for every kid, no matter their needs, abilities, or levels.
• See a Need, Fill A Need: We believe that if there's a need at a school, that to be a great team player, we fill that need.  A teacher is absent?  We cover their class during our prep.  A student is crying in the hallway?  We comfort them whether they're out student or not.
• Openness to Feedback:  We believe that the only way for us to improve as professionals is to be open to feedback and add new tools to our toolbox.  We stay after to practice teacher moves, annotate lessons, submit our lessons for feedback, happily have admin in our classroom to observe, and never miss a one-on-one with our coach to discuss our practice and learn how we can grow.
• Student Centered:  At the end of the day, we always do what's best for kids.

Qualifications

Qualifications

• Must have an Associate's Degree or some college
• 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
• Pass Criminal Background Check
• A firmly held belief that students can and will learn, and it’s a teacher’s role and mission to do whatever it takes to make this happen
• Commitment to KIPP NC’s mission 
• Openness to feedback and willingness to constantly reflect, improve, and learn
• Ability to function as a “relentless achiever” by setting high goals and meeting or exceeding them
• Strong work ethic coupled with a willingness to go above and beyond one’s work
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and develop strong relationships with parents and colleagues
• Flexibility, tenacity, perseverance, resourcefulness, and teamwork
• High level of organization and professionalism
• Fluency in Spanish preferred

Additional Information

Other Job Requirements

• Work hours are 7:30am - 3:45pm Monday, Thursday, and Friday, and 7:30am - 5:00pm Tuesday and Wednesday
• Ability to stand and actively progress monitor student work 8 hours per day
• Ability to lift 50 lbs

Total Rewards

• Assistants are provided an annualized salary with full benefits
• Optional 403(b) retirement account with employer contributions
• Assistants are supported with on-the-job professional development, a dedicated coach, a laptop computer for work, and a cell phone.
• Comprehensive health benefits for medical, dental, and vision
• Enrollment in a 403b with employer match
• 26 days off for school holidays including a week for Thanksgiving and 2 weeks for winter break.

KIPP North Carolina does not and shall not discriminate on the race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, disability, source of income, or status as a veteran in any of its activities or operations.