25-26 Elementary Special Education Teacher [5k Bonus]

Company Description

About KIPP

KIPP Public Schools is a national network of tuition-free public charter schools that prepares students with the skills and confidence to create the future they want for themselves, their communities, and us all. We are a network of 278 schools, nearly 16,500 educators, and 190,000 students and alumni.  KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools (KPPS) is part of the national KIPP Public Schools network and currently leads eight schools serving 3,600 students in North and West Philadelphia.  By 2030, KPPS will be serving approximately 4,000 students.

Our Mission

Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students to pursue the paths they choose—college, career, and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world. 

Life at KIPP Philly 

At KIPP Philly, we know that talented, committed, and culturally competent educators are the driving force behind our students' success. By creating a school experience that affirms identities, celebrates individuality, and challenges every student to grow, our teachers and leaders amplify the potential of every child. We are dedicated to building a professional environment grounded in joy, candor, care, and community—a place where educators can bring their authentic selves, receive world-class development, and collaborate with peers equally devoted to the work. Here’s what you can expect: 

• Commitment to Anti-Racism and Equity: Join a team deeply dedicated to anti-racism, equity, and culturally responsive practices, working to eradicate systemic barriers and create truly inclusive environments. 

• Joyful and Inclusive Community: Be part of a close-knit, diverse network of educators who value authenticity, collaboration, and mutual respect, fostering an environment where both adults and children can thrive. 

• Rewarding Impact: Your dedication and hard work will be recognized through competitive compensation structures, including performance-based bonuses that reward meaningful outcomes. 

• Unparalleled Career Growth: Gain access to strategically designed leadership pathways, grounded in research and tailored to help you grow professionally. From one-on-one coaching to high-quality professional development, we’re invested in your future. 

• Authentic Leadership: Show up as your authentic self every day, modeling for students the power of embracing their identities and inspiring them to do the same. 

• Student-Centered Excellence: We believe strong relationships and precise preparation are critical to increasing learning outcomes. Together, we create joyful, affirming spaces where students and educators excel. 

• Comprehensive Support: Experience robust whole-person support, including personalized coaching, mental health resources, and team-building initiatives that nurture professional and personal well-being. 

Job Description

The Special Education Teacher will manage a caseload and provide direct support for students with special needs to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical and social growth. This teacher will demonstrate professional leadership through collaborative case management with general education teachers, para professionals, and related service providers.

Classroom Responsibilities

• Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of individual students, including Functional Academics, Daily Living Skills, Transition Skills, and Social Skills.

• Use progress monitoring-tools to analyze student results for the purpose of modifying and adjusting strategies, programming and IEPs

• Use data to inform instructional decisions

• Provide students with daily feedback on mastery performance in character and academics and plan for individual learning needs

• Demonstrate strong pedagogy

• KPPS classroom responsibilities

Special Education Responsibilities

• Develop, monitor, and evaluate the effectiveness of individualized education plans

• Meet with general education teachers, para professionals, and related service providers to review IEPs, answer questions, collaborate on strategies and supports as needed to implement IEPs for students with fidelity

• Liaise with parents via trainings, meetings, and consultations

• Provide case management for Special Education caseload and provide instruction to students receiving special education supports

Professional Responsibilities

• Take ownership for the development of your craft (meet 1x/1-2 weeks with an instructional coach, implement feedback, engage in active practice, etc.)
• Actively engage in all school-wide professional development
• Serve as a positive, contributing member of a grade team, collaborating with colleagues to tackle common challenges and implement grade-wide initiatives
• Share candid, solutions-oriented feedback with peers and school leadership on a regular basis
• Embody KPPS core values: Children First, Cultural Competence, Ownership, Community
• Enroll in/complete a teacher certification program (if applicable)

School Responsibilities

• Arrive at school by 8:00 a.m. and stay until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
• Attend designated school functions outside of school hours (Back to School Night, Report Card Conferences, Community Events, etc.) 
• Contribute to the planning and execution of all school-wide events
• Develop strong relationships with the families of students through home visits, participation in school events and phone calls home
• Perform necessary support duties including (but not limited to) bus, lunch, and dismissal duties
• Chaperone field lessons/field trips
• Additional responsibilities may arise during the school year. They will be communicated to all employees with as much notice and flexibility as possible.

Qualifications

Qualifications & Credentials

• Love and see the high potential of all children
• Demonstrated ability to drive student growth and achievement and to create a warm, inclusive, rigorous learning environment
• Passion for subject/content area and demonstrated commitment to professional learning
• Demonstrated ability to contribute positively to a school team
• 2+ years of full-time teaching experience (outside of substitute teaching) in an urban setting strongly preferred
• Bachelor’s degree
• Pennsylvania State certification Level I or II strongly preferred. If uncertified, must –
  • enroll in a PA-approved certification program within one year of hire.
  • submit transcripts upon hire (required for emergency permit application)
• Complete all required criminal and child abuse background checks:
  • PA State Police Clearance
  • PA Child Abuse Clearance
  • Cogent Federal Fingerprinting

Additional Information

Compensation:

• The salary range for this position is commensurate upon experience and certification status:
  • Uncertified Range: $55,000 – 81,000+ 
  • Certified Range: $62,500 - $93,500+
• Teacher salaries at KPPS are equitable and transparent. To maintain equity, teacher salaries are determined by a combination of years of teaching experience and certification status. All candidates are welcome to ask their recruiter how their experience and credentials will translate to their salary.
• All full-time team members at KPPS enjoy a comprehensive health benefits package (including vision and dental, a telehealth option, and flexible spending accounts) for themselves and their families as well as a 403B matching program for retirement savings and free access to financial advising services.
• Uncertified teachers have access to $5,000 in tuition reimbursement to pursue certification at a Pennsylvania-approved certification program.

Note To Applicants:

• KIPP Philadelphia Schools is an equal opportunity employer. Employees are selected on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law.

To apply, visit http://www.kippphiladelphia.org/careers.