[2025-2026] KIPP Gaston College Prep Primary Lead Exceptional Children Teacher (Grades K-2)
KIPP Foundation
Company Description
Organizational Overview
Every School. Every Student. Every Day.
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.
At KIPP, we see the gifts in everyone who walks through the doors of our schools. Especially our teachers. Their skill. Energy. Love. Their determination. On the good days and on the hard days. So we support our teachers to make the most of those gifts. It starts with respect – for our teachers’ innate talent and desire to learn, for their professional growth and the lives they lead beyond our walls. We offer pay and benefits that reflect our appreciation for the invaluable role our teachers play in lighting paths to opportunity for our students. And as our teachers progress through the day, the year and their careers, we ensure they always feel the KIPP Team and Family at their backs, with opportunities to lead, and support to grow.
Together, our students, schools, families and communities share an ambitious mission to create a future without limits. And the only way to realize it is with talented teachers like you. Shape the future, for your students and yourself, by joining KIPP today.
Job Description
Your responsibilities as an Exceptional Children Lead Teacher
KIPP North Carolina Exceptional Children Teachers are at the core of our mission to support our students with special needs to access the general education curriculum through a resource model. As a KIPP North Carolina EC Teacher, your core responsibilities include:
Instruction Preparation & Delivery
-
Review, internalize, and prepare KIPP NC approved curriculum
K - 8 Math: Zearn
K - 4 ELA: Bookworms
5 - 8: ELA: KIPP Wheatley
K - 8 Science: Amplify
9 - 12 All Subjects: KIPP Foundation Provided Curriculum
Practice lesson delivery to execute curriculum at a high level
Create exemplar responses and documents for work to hold students accountable
Use assessment data (Interim Assessments, MAP, EOGs, EOCs, summative, formative, etc) to drive instruction and make lesson adjustments to meet students needs
Embrace and incorporate feedback in the spirit of pursuing excellence
Maintain accurate gradebook, records, and data tracking systems
Help Build a Positive School and Classroom Culture
Embody and maintain school’s values, policies and culture
Assume personal responsibility for student achievement
Maintain a clean classroom displaying student work and grade level/content appropriate decorations
Develop positive relationships with students, families, teachers and staff through regular positive phone calls to families, weekly newsletters about the classroom, and attending all required events, including but not limited to Back-to-School Night, Parent - Teacher Conferences, and Report Card Conferences
Participate in the daily functions of the school, including but not limited to arrival, advisory / circle time, lunch duty, recess, and dismissal
Demonstrate a Growth Mindset
Collaborate with your coach identifying areas of strength and areas of growth for professional development each year
Receive weekly feedback and implement it with fidelity
Attend Professional Development Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 3:30 - 5:00 pm each week
Specific EC Teacher Responsibilities
Provide specially designed instruction (SDI) to students who qualify for special education services within a resource, co-taught, or self-contained setting
Utilize the general education curriculum, research based programs, and evidenced based practices to plan and deliver instruction for students with disabilities based on their individualized education plans
Provide consultation to classroom teachers regarding classroom accommodations, instructional modifications, adaptive equipment, behavior modification plans, and other similar instructional interventions to meet the needs of students with disabilities
Provide care and/or instruction in self-help skills such as toileting, dressing, feeding, positioning, etc., as needed
Develop and ensure proper implementation of student Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) across the total school environment
Ensure timely and accurate completion of annual reviews, reevaluations, and initial referrals
Maintain accurate, complete, and correct IEP records as required by law, regional policy, and administrative regulation to include service delivery tracking and progress monitoring
Administer educational evaluations for special education placement as needed
Communicate effectively and regularly with school staff and parents about student progress and needs
Develop and maintain a classroom culture that encourages student responsibility, cooperation, and mutual respect consistent with school policies and procedures
Build positive relationships with students, parents, staff members, and community stakeholders
Perform other duties as deemed necessary and assigned by school leadership staff, the EC Program Specialist, and Managing DIrector or Student Support Services
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
The following are required of all KIPP North Carolina teachers:
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
Active North Carolina Exceptional Children License that is active on the first day of New To KIPP (July 2025)
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant content area
Pass Criminal Background Check
Demonstrated commitment to closing the opportunity gap
Zest, grit, professionalism, and a sense of humor
-
Physical Qualifications
Ability to stand for 8+ hours per day
Ability to carry up to 50 lbs
Ability to deescalate an escalated child
Preferred Qualifications
The following are not required but are advantageous for candidates:
At least 2 full years of teaching experience in EC / SPED General Curriculum in a pull-out or push-in setting
Experience writing IEPs and 504s for students with varying abilities
Experience with our ECATS system
Experience in teaching in a high performing charter school and/or schools with a high population of students with free and reduced lunch
Demonstrated success in raising the achievement levels of traditionally under-served students
Passed or will pass the Praxis exams by September 2024
Fluency in Spanish
Additional Information
Additional Information
Hours are M, Th, & F 7:30am - 3:30, Tu & W 7:30 - 5pm
Curriculum, materials, and resources are provided
All teachers receive a stipend for their classroom so they don’t incur out-of-pocket costs
Each month teachers have Teacher Work Days that include professional development, data analysis, and other important information to push their students’ learning forward
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.
Total Rewards - Compensation & Benefits
KIPP Gaston Compensation + $2k salary supplement
KIPP Charlotte / KIPP Durham Compensation + $2k salary supplement
We currently offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package including:
-
Salaries paid semi-monthly throughout the year
KIPP Gaston Compensation
KIPP Charlotte / Durham Compensation
Healthcare (medical, vision, and dental) at no cost to individuals and deep discounts for dependents
Enrollment in an optional 403b with employer match up to 6%
-
On-going professional development opportunities:
Support programs for new teachers
Assigned coaching and weekly/biweekly development meetings for all teachers
Regular content and grade-level specific PDs
Teaching Licensure Support
Generous time off:
Paid Time Off (5 days PTO & 6 days sick leave annually)
Paid Time off for all major national holidays (including Fall Break, Winter Break, Spring Break, and approximately 5 weeks off during the Summer)