Special Education Teacher, Elementary; To build pool

Special Education Teacher, Elementary

As part of the national KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) network, KIPP Baltimore is driven by a shared mission to ensure that every student has access to an excellent education that prepares them for success in college and life. You will be a vital part of an effort to uplift students from systemically underserved communities, ensuring they achieve their full potential.

As a Teacher at KIPP Baltimore, you are a catalyst for student success. You will ignite a passion for learning while helping students master essential academic and social-emotional skills. As the architect of a dynamic and engaging learning experience, you will plan, implement, and reflect on instruction to prepare students for success both in school and in life. Collaborating closely with your grade-level team, interventionist, and Principal, you will play an active role in fostering a culture of excellence and high expectations, ensuring every student thrives and the mission of KIPP Harmony and KIPP Ujima Village Academy is realized.

Position Responsibilities:

• Hold high expectations for all students and work relentlessly to foster their academic and personal growth.
• Set class and individual goals, using ongoing assessments to track progress and adjust instruction as needed.
• Design and implement data-driven assessments that inform instructional decisions and support continuous growth.
• Apply deep knowledge of early childhood literacy and content areas to deliver engaging and effective instruction.
• Demonstrate mastery of grade-level standards, benchmarks, and curriculum, ensuring alignment in all instructional plans.
• Develop long-term plans, units, and lessons using backward design, with a focus on student mastery.
• Plan lessons that foster critical thinking, inquiry, and meet the diverse learning needs of students.
• Differentiate instruction to effectively address the unique needs of each student.

Classroom Management and Culture:

• Implement and reinforce school-wide culture and management policies both in the classroom and across the school.
• Establish a supportive and disciplined classroom environment that promotes student responsibility and success.
• Foster a positive learning atmosphere that encourages student self-efficacy and independence.

Relationships and Community Engagement:

• Build strong, trusting relationships with students, families, and colleagues to support student success.
• Incorporate students' backgrounds and experiences into instruction, valuing their unique contributions.
• Communicate proactively and effectively with parents, students, staff, and guests through various channels.
• Uphold the school's vision, mission, and values by actively engaging with families and communities through open communication and events.

Professionalism and Development:

• Engage in professional development by collaborating with colleagues, reflecting on instructional practices, and continuously seeking ways to improve.
• Demonstrate a commitment to professional growth, attending extended professional development and modeling professionalism in behavior and attire.
• Adhere to all school policies, complete clerical tasks as needed, and take leadership roles in school-wide initiatives and committees.

• Maryland State Teacher Certification or eligibility to obtain certification (Required)
• Eligible for hire by Baltimore City Public Schools (Required)
• Two years of teaching experience in a public school (Strongly Preferred)
• Passion for working with students from historically resilient communities (Required)
• Experience teaching in a predominantly African American environment (Preferred)

Desired Qualities:

• Knowledge That Empowers:
  You bring a deep mastery of your subject and have a talent for making content come alive for students. Like a skilled guide, you help students connect what they learn in the classroom to the world around them, sparking curiosity and a love for learning that transcends the school day.
• Data-Driven Excellence:
  You are driven by student success. Using data like a compass, you adjust your instruction in real time to ensure every student is progressing. You engage in a continuous cycle of planning, delivering, assessing, and reflecting, always focused on helping students reach their next milestone in both academics and social-emotional learning.
• Joyful and Inclusive Classroom:
  You are the heart of your classroom, creating a space where every student feels seen, heard, and respected. You encourage students to take ownership of their learning, fostering independence and promoting student voice. You work hand-in-hand with families to set and achieve ambitious academic and social-emotional goals.
• Reflective Leadership and Growth:
  You see every challenge as an opportunity. As a lifelong learner, you are always seeking feedback and refining your practice. You reflect on your own identity and biases, using this self-awareness to strengthen your relationships with students and colleagues. Your growth mindset not only fuels your own…