Special Education Teacher - PS (Endeavor)

Company Description

KIPP KC is part of a national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory charter schools with a track record of preparing students in educationally underserved communities for success in college and in life.  

Together with families and communities, KIPP Kansas City Public Schools works to create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence they need to pursue the paths they choose - college, career, and beyond - so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world. We are a Pre-K through 12th grade school located in the historical 18th and Vine District. We are part of a national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory charter schools with a track record of preparing students in educationally underserved communities for success in life. KIPP KC opened its first school, KIPP Endeavor Academy, in 2007 with approximately 31 fifth grade students. Today, KIPP Kansas City has grown to serve students in Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade and is currently educating approximately 1,000 students.

Job Description

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

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 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.

Additional Information

Compensation

Salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience. Additionally, KIPP KC offers a comprehensive benefits package including health coverage and retirement. 

Start Date: ASAP. All hired candidates must complete the background and fingerprint process and attend orientation.