Junior/Senior Seminar Teacher

Job Description

Position Overview:

The Junior/Senior Seminar teacher  will support students in the drive towards academic and culture-related goals in pursuit of supporting KIPP KC in meeting charter and One KIPP goals. This teacher is also responsible for communicating and tracking the knowledge  and skills that  lead  to post secondary success.

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

• School Culture & Engagement

  • Foster a positive school culture that supports student learning and staff development.

  • Engage families and community members in the education process, enhancing the school's impact on students and the community.

  • College-Going Environment: Maintain a rigorous, connection-based environment that mirrors the expectations of higher education.

  • Behavioral Systems: Leverage school-wide systems to develop a positive learning culture and address breaches to culture through restorative practices and clear expectations.

• Strategic Planning & Instruction

  • Collaborate with the Regional KIPP Forward Team cal and other key stakeholders to set clear goals for school performance and student achievement.

  • Monitor and report on school performance, implementing strategies for improvement and growth.

  • Foster a supportive and inclusive culture within the classroom

  •  Provide small-group career and postsecondary counseling in pull-out within classroom setting or other structures to explore career options based on an interest and aptitude assessment; complete individualized in-depth career plans; set up career-exposure learning opportunities, where possible

  • Maintain accurate student grades/records and strong lines of communication with students and families regularly regarding students’ growth and progress

  •  Attend IEP exit meetings for all seniors, providing insight into each student’s transition plan and postsecondary goals

  •  Where available, participate in grade-level meetings and instructional professional development with other 12th grade faculty and staff

• Real World Learning Integration

  • Ensure the effective operation of the high school, including resource allocation, staff management, and compliance with all state and federal regulations.

  • Support the school’s "Future-Ready" vision by embedding MVAs into the core curriculum across all pathways (Work Experiences, Dual Credit, IRCs, and Entrepreneurial Experiences, Capstone Projects).

  • Ensure RWL data is accurately tracked and reported for the One KIPP standards of the Missouri School Improvement Plan.

  • Teach DESE required financial literacy course and other required KIPP One curriculum

  • Ensure the effective operation of the high school, including RWL field experiences and college tours

• College and Career Access Knowledge/Skills

  • Teach and guide all 11th and 12th grade students on the postsecondary admissions process (wish list, application, personal statements, letters of recommendations, transcript submission, financial aid, matriculation, etc.) through classroom instruction and regular one-on-one counseling sessions, focusing on strong and strategic postsecondary institutional match and plans

  • Assist students in planning and implementing their “passion and purpose” college and career plans through their senior year, with postsecondary education as a critical input

  • Support the postsecondary team with family engagement workshops focused on college and CTE program admissions, financial aid, career preparation, etc.

  • Keep students and families apprised of institution and program admissions requirements and monitor eligibility

  • Keep students and families informed of deadlines and resources to support them with the completion of key application, financial aid, and scholarship processes

  • Assist families with completion of FAFSA and other financial aid applications

  •  Create access to college and career resources and opportunities available to support historically underrepresented populations

  •  In partnership with the high school team, support SAT/ACT and all standardized test  registration, completion, score-reporting, and improving student testing outcomes 

  •  Participate in Match Matters Monthly Meetings as directed by the KIPP Forward Team

  • Help to implement KIPP Forward special programming including back-to-school nights, college workshops, fairs and visits, financial aid nights, career-exploration activities, wish list approval nights, college and career-focused staff professional development, etc.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field preferred.

Skills and Competencies: 

• Commitment to KIPP Kansas City’s mission and values, including a deep belief in the potential of all students.

• Ability to implement academic vision and aligned priorities, develop strategic plans, and empower others to achieve them

• Successfully implemented One KIPP programs and improved student outcomes in a high school setting.

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate others.

• Support in KIPP Middle School to KIPP High School Matriculation

• Excellent communication and organizational skills

• Ability to work urgently in a fast-paced and results-oriented environment.

• Ability to exercise excellent judgment in decision-making.

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