Foundational Literacy Teacher

Job Description

Position Overview:

Every member of the Team & Family at KIPP KC plays a critical role in ensuring our students are on the path toward college, career, and beyond. Our educators are passionate advocates for our students and families, working tirelessly to connect them with access to opportunity for lives of power and choice. As a Foundational Literacy Teacher, you will deliver exceptional instruction and assess student growth. You are dedicated to constant learning and proactively provide academic and cultural support to your school and team. You are deeply committed to educational equity, building relationships with students and families so they are safe, seen, heard, and loved.

Key Responsibilities:

Instructional Delivery and Assessment

• Develop or internalize year-long Missouri State standards-based (or other curriculum-based), backwards-planned unit plans and lesson plans that meet all students’ learning needs.
• Use assessment data to modify short and long-term plans in order to promote all students’ academic performance.
• Embrace and incorporate feedback in the spirit of constant improvement.
• Maintain accurate records, grade book, and data tracking systems.

Academic and Cultural Support

• Assume personal responsibility for student achievement
• Collaborate with content and grade-level teams to promote an environment of critical thinking and academic rigor
• Establish and maintain working relationships with students and families based on trust and respect
• Participate in the daily functions of the school such as morning, lunch, and afternoon supervisory duties
• Attend critical school events such as staff meetings, open houses, and student-led parent conferences
• Meet professional obligations including timeliness and consistency in meeting deadlines
• Exemplify the school cultural expectations

Content and Pedagogical Expertise

• Strong knowledge and believe in the college-ready bar for students in literacy; exceptionally high standards for rigor and the belief that all students can achieve at high levels
• Expert in literacy in the early primary grades (Pre-K through 3rd Grade) with a strong knowledge of the full literacy continuum Strong knowledge of the components of balanced literacy, with a particular focus on Foundational Literacy (phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension)
• Strong background and familiarity with literacy assessments, with a particular focus on reading growth assessments
• Master teacher in literacy with strong skill in internalizing curriculum and modeling lessons

Real World Learning Facilitation

• Deliver high-quality, rigorous instruction directly connected to authentic, real-world learning experiences that promote college persistence, career exploration, and workforce readiness for all KIPPsters
• Lead and facilitate transformative student experiences, including class-connected projects, professional mentorships, internships, and shadowing opportunities that bridge the classroom and the community.
• Teach a minimum of one to two courses explicitly aligned with KIPP KC’s Real-World Learning initiatives, consistently integrating applied learning and interdisciplinary cognitive skills into daily instruction.
• Actively collaborate with students, staff, and regional industry partners to design meaningful learning experiences that provide students with professional exposure and measurable real-world outcomes.
• Organize and lead quarterly RWL Showcases at each grade level, providing a platform for KIPPsters to demonstrate their mastery, present their projects to community partners, and celebrate applied learning growth.
• Use student performance data and feedback from industry partners to continuously refine RWL experiences, ensuring they meet KIPP KC’s standards for academic excellence and 21st-century skill development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Relentless focus on results and a commitment to teamwork
• Deep commitment to educational equity and underserved communities
• Valid Missouri Teaching license with required certification for subject and level assigned*
• Demonstrated knowledge of core subject area assigned
• Satisfactory outcome of a background check

*Applicants currently pursuing a certification may apply before certification is received. All certifications must be acquired and on file with KIPP KC before the end of the first year of employment.

Skills and Competencies: 

• Commitment to KIPP KC’s mission and values
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse environment
• Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Fosters an inclusive environment for students, staff, and families
• Works effectively with colleagues and stakeholders
• Builds strong relationships within the KIPP KC community

Additional Information

Physical Requirements: 

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. 

• The person in this position needs to be able to move about inside and outside the school or office throughout the workday.

• The candidate is expected to attend conferences, meetings and training sessions both virtually and in person within the Region. 

Work Environment

• Reports to work Monday-Friday.

• Typical school or office environment with frequent interruptions.

Travel Requirements:

• Ability to travel to work location. 

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary is based on years of experience, educational background, and level of expertise.

As a full-time KIPP Kansas City employee, you are eligible to participate in all KIPP Kansas City benefit plans. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits with competitive rates, including medical, dental, and vision options, as well as life insurance, fertility, and disability plans.

KIPP Kansas City is committed to the professional growth and development of our staff. We provide numerous opportunities for advancement, ongoing professional development, and leadership training to help you achieve your career goals.

KIPP Kansas City provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

Selection Process:

Our application process is grounded in equity and fairness, ensuring a just and unbiased selection process. Below is our standard selection process for regional roles:

Selection Process 

Application Submission + Resume Review 

Phone or Video Interview 

If Applicable (Sample work or Performance Task) 

Committee Interview(s) 

1:1 Chat w/Hiring Manager 

Reference Check 

Offer Terms