Special Education Teacher

Special Education Teacher

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About the Role:

When it comes to compensation, at KIPP DC we strive for clarity, equity, and to be highly competitive. We look at compensation benchmarks in schools across DC. Teacher salaries are exempt and start at $65,500 and increase with years of experience. Please see the salary scale here.

About KIPP DC

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.

Why teach at the Learning Center?:

The Learning Center: Grounded in the values of determination, flexibility, respect, and joy, The Learning Center (TLC) provides individualized learning support for PreK4-8th grade students who are enrolled in KIPP DC schools, and who benefit from specialized educational support. Students are engaged in a small, safe, and supportive learning environment that can nimbly respond to their needs and accelerate their learning. With a 3:1 student to adult ratio, TLC is able to provide a comprehensive intervention program to meet students academic, behavioral, and adaptive needs based on their unique profile.

• Impact: As one of the highest performing school school systems in the District of Columbia, educators at KIPP DC work in schools that put students at the center of decision making. Culturally responsive learning environments cultivate a sense of belonging for staff and students alike. As a teacher, you will have this foundation to make an impact with your students.
• Support: We seek to deliver unparalleled coaching and development to maximize educators' impact. Teachers receive year-round professional development rooted in antiracist practices and aligned to curriculum or role competencies. Frequent feedback and support from school leaders, network content coaches, grade-level chairs, and other teammates improve teachers' craft.
• Growth: We believe that all educators should have pathways for growth and development. This means teachers have ample planning time, grade-level and content meetings, and development and wellness days. In our schools, teachers work collaboratively with peers and are able to grow their leadership through opportunities like grade-level chair, fellowships, or school leadership development cohorts.
• Highly Competitive Compensation & Benefits: Our instructional salary scales are at the top of the DC market and affirm KIPP DC's belief that teachers are the cornerstone of schools. Our benefits program supports staff wellness and the school calendar is designed to foster sustainability with ample breaks to recharge from the demands of teaching.

Key Requirements & Responsibilities:

• Mission Alignment
• Commitment to KIPP DC's mission and to advancing its antiracist ambition through their work with staff, students, alumni, and families
• Subscribe to our Vision for Teaching Excellence and commit/contribute to constant professional growth and development
• Build trusting relationships with staff, students, and families
• Instructional Responsiveness & Content Knowledge
• Internalize and teach challenging and engaging lessons linked to Common Core and informed by instructional data
• Internalize and teach lessons aligned to student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and progress monitor instructional data toward mastery of the goal(s)
• Perform clerical duties, as required, relating to textbooks, instructional supplies, student reports and records, attendance reports, etc.
• Attend staff meetings, professional development sessions, and team meetings
• Individualized Education Program (IEP) Case Management
• Serve as a case manager for students with Individualized Educational Plans (IEP's) on your assigned caseload
• Create and update Student IEP One-Pagers that summarize IEPs for school colleagues
• Progress monitory IEP goals for students on your assigned caseload
• Complete and distribute quarterly Progress Reports for students on your assigned caseload
• Ensure students on your caseload receive mandated accommodations on classwork and assessments
• Collaborate with related service providers toward IEP implementation for students on your assigned caseload
• Attend and actively participate in all IEP Team Meetings for assigned caseload
• Complete required documentation (i.e., IEP Present Levels of Performance, Analysis of Existing Data, IEP Goals, Draft IEP Services) for assigned caseload
• Close out required documentation in the special education database (as assigned)
• Collaborate with the student support team regarding school-based special education referrals
• Work closely with the team of Related Service Providers and Mental Health Practitioners to develop effective classroom interventions.
• Care of Students & Classroom Culture
• Build a classroom culture that empowers students, affirms their identities, and creates a sense of belonging for all students
• Implement the school-wide and classroom management policies and practices
• Create a responsive and inclusive environment for parents and families
• Follow TLC's PBIS classroom and schoolwide plans to ensure consistency for all students.
• Practice de escalation strategies with the Crisis Response Coordinators.
• Other Information & Requirements
• While students receive instruction from 8:00 am-3:30 pm, KIPP DC teachers are on duty in school Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm two times a week, and 7:30 am to 4:00 pm three times a week.
• Perform clerical duties, as required, relating to textbooks, instructional supplies, student reports and records, attendance reports, etc.
• Perform morning, lunch, and afternoon duties as assigned
• Pass all required background check requirements under the School Safety Omnibus Amendment Act of 2018
• Additional responsibilities may arise during the school year. This could include but not limited to: attending staff and student field trips, open houses, parent-teacher conferences, home visits, and other events involving parents and students as needed. We will communicate them to all employees with as much notice and flexibility as possible.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree (Required)
• At least two years of experience in Special Education and working with IEPs (Required)
• Commitment to working with students from communities with limited access to quality educational opportunities (Required)
• At least one year of teaching experience in a public school or education degree with student teaching experience (Strongly Preferred)
• Experience/strength in content area (Preferred)

Compensation & Benefits:

• When it comes to compensation, at KIPP DC we strive for clarity, equity, and to be highly competitive. We look at compensation benchmarks in schools across DC. Teacher salaries are exempt and start at $65,500 and increase with years of experience. Please see the salary scale here. Teachers can earn up to $5,000 in renewal add-ons to their base salary each year they return to KIPP DC.
• KIPP DC offers a robust benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurances; various voluntary benefits; and employer paid benefits such as short term disability, long term disability, life insurance, and a membership to One Medical.
• KIPP DC also offers a 403(b) retirement account with a 3% employer contribution and a 3% match with vesting after three years.
• Currently, individuals in this role have up to 10 paid sick days, 12 paid holidays, paid Thanksgiving week break, winter break, spring break, and summer break. This is subject to change and your exact schedule will be shared in your offer letter.
• All employees who use public transit through WMATA are eligible for pre-tax deductions for transportation costs.
• Teachers have access to KIPP DC's additional development and enrichment opportunities such as Special Education Fellowship, School Culture Champion Grants, Classroom Innovation Grants, and various fellowship and pilot programs launched each year

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.

Click here or here to review KIPP DC's non-discrimination policy and KIPP DC's Title IX Coordinator's contact information.

Please Note: If you encounter difficulties submitting your application or fail to receive a confirmation email after applying, kindly reach out to Danica Cunningham at Please include your name, resume, and specify the role you are applying for in your email. We appreciate your understanding and apologize for any inconvenience caused.

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