About the position

Teachers at KIPP DC lead classrooms that are academically rigorous, identity-affirming, and grounded in strong relationships with students and families. As a Special Education Teacher at KIPP DC, you will plan and deliver high-quality instruction, build a strong and affirming classroom culture, and work closely with your team to support student learning and well-being. As one of the highest performing public school systems in Washington, DC, KIPP DC believes that all students have the right to joyful, challenging, and culturally responsive learning experiences. Teachers are core to that work. The starting salary for teachers is \$65,500 and increases with relevant years of Lead Teacher experience and graduate-level education, as outlined in our instructional salary scale. Compensation is determined by the scale and is non-negotiable. 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 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. As a Lead Teacher, you will: Teach engaging, standards-aligned lessons informed by student data. Build an inclusive, identity-affirming classroom culture where all students feel a sense of belonging. Collaborate with grade-level and content teams to plan instruction, analyze data, and respond to student needs. Communicate consistently and proactively with families. Contribute to schoolwide culture and community Work collaboratively with peers and grow their leadership through opportunities like grade-level chair, fellowships, or school leadership development cohorts. Special Education Teachers collaborate with general education teachers and service providers to deliver instruction and services aligned to IEP goals in inclusive and pull-out settings. They as the primary case manager for assigned students, ensuring IEP development, implementation, documentation, and compliance with IDEA and district policies.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate commitment to KIPP DC’s mission, with a focus on excellence, equity, and antiracist practice.
• Build trusting, affirming relationships with students, families, and teammates.
• Create a classroom culture that empowers students, affirms their identities, and fosters belonging for all learners.
• Communicate regularly with families, including academic updates and support plans.
• Internalize, adapt, and deliver high-quality, standards-aligned lessons.
• Ensure instruction is rigorous, culturally responsive, and relevant to students' lived experiences.
• For elementary roles: deliver core math and literacy instruction to the homeroom.
• Use student performance data to plan reteach, intervention, and enrichment.
• Participate in grade-level and/or content team meetings to align on instructional strategy.
• 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 monitor 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.
• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, professional development sessions, and weekly planning/feedback meetings.
• Implement coaching and feedback from school leaders, network content coaches, and lead teachers/grade-level chairs.
• When assigned a Capital Teaching Resident, model effective instruction and gradually release responsibility while providing weekly coaching conversations.
• Perform duties (arrival, lunch, transitions, dismissal) as assigned.
• Complete clerical tasks that support instruction and compliance, including student records, attendance, progress reports, and documentation related to IEP goals or interventions.
• Support school events such as family-teacher conferences, open houses, field trips, and community events.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• Commitment to working with students from communities with limited access to high-quality educational opportunities
• At least two years of special education teaching experience in a PreK3–12th grade school
• “Teaching experience” here refers to serving as the teacher of record / lead instructor responsible for instruction and progress of an assigned class or section. It does not include paraprofessional work, substitute-only experience, internships without lead teaching responsibility, or daycare-only experience.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor’s degree in the relevant content area
• Demonstrated strength in the content area / grade band you are applying to teach
• Experience teaching in an urban K–12 public school setting
• Strong communication skills with families and caregivers, including culturally responsive partnership
• Strong collaboration habits with teammates (planning, data analysis, shared ownership for student growth)

Benefits

• 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 15 paid time off days, up to 10 paid sick days, and 12 paid holidays. This is subject to change and your exact schedule will be shared in your offer letter.