Special Education Teacher - The Learning Center (25-26 SY)

About KIPP DC

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.

By 2025, KIPP DC will build upon two decades of proven results to develop into a more impactful, innovative, and inclusive school system that provides joyful, identity-affirming learning experiences so that all students and alumni achieve extraordinary outcomes.

Our work is grounded in a commitment to excellence, equity, and justice. We believe all students have the right to rigorous, relevant, and joyful learning experiences led by exceptionally talented and diverse educators who promote student achievement and a sense of belonging. We seek out teachers who are passionate about educational equity, driven by student and family relationships, and constantly seeking to grow.

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.