KIPP Memphis Public Schools is part of KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program), a national network of tuition-free, open-enrollment, public schools that are successful in helping students from educationally underserved communities develop the knowledge, skills, character, and habits needed to succeed in college and the competitive world beyond.  There are currently 270 KIPP schools across the nation serving nearly 100,000 students.  Founded in 2002, KIPP Memphis serves over 1,800 K-12 students in our four North Memphis schools and almost 900 alumni on their journeys to-and-through college with our KIPP Forward Program.

As a leader in providing high quality education for students who need us most, the KIPP Memphis team and family serves as a model of excellence and collaborates with other community organizations to raise the overall quality of education in Memphis. The mission of KIPP Memphis is to create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose - college, career, and beyond - so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world.

ROLE OVERVIEW 

Reporting to the Chief of Schools, the Director of Special Populations will assist in driving a culture of academic excellence and high levels of student achievement at KIPP Memphis. The Director of Special Populations will work closely with principals, instructional coaches, and teachers at KIPP Memphis to support the region’s academic vision and priorities. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

Compliance 

• Monitor compliance of documentation and legally mandated services for KIPP Memphis students with IEPs, 504 plans, ESL, and Gifted programs 
• Establish and maintain relationships between district contacts for special populations
• Attend all manifestation meetings as the KIPP Memphis regional representative
• Review data for FBAs after 4 weeks and data on BIPs biweekly
• Attend all mandatory professional development for special populations as the KIPP Memphis regional representative for the district and turn-key information as needed 
• Complete all documentation for audits and compliance 
• Attend all school meetings related to alternative placements for students 

School Support 

• Assist schools with developing programs for special populations
• Provide direct services hours to students if needed
• Monitor consistency and quality of all KIPP Memphis special populations programming through walkthroughs, observations, data digs, and one-on-one's
• Facilitate professional development for leaders and teachers regarding compliance, instructional support, and best practices 
• Inform school based personnel of district, LEA, and additional professional development offerings 
• Monitor teacher, related services, and student schedules to ensure students are receiving the appropriate amount of direct service hours through walkthroughs, observations, and service logs
• Support teachers with the lesson internalization process through modeling and coaching
• Assist counselors with the S-team process 
• Assist school personnel with resolving parent complaints regarding services for special populations
• Support teachers in developing instructionally appropriate IEPs, ILPs, and 504 plans through professional development, office hours, and practice clinics
• Observe special populations team members informally and formally and provide feedback to teachers and managers 
• Train and assist school-based counselors, ESL teachers, special education teachers, and multi-tiered student support personnel
• Ensure the appropriate accommodations for students are active when using on-line platforms 
• Research and apply for  grant opportunities on both district and school levels
• Monitor homebound requests and updates
• Update intranet with Special Populations resources as needed

Enrollment/Files 

• Identify students that meet or may meet the qualifications for Special Populations using PowerSchool Registration July-September
• Ensure students are coded correctly in KIPP and SCS PowerSchool subgroups
• Ensure students have the correct course codes attached to their schedule in KIPP and SCS PowerSchool
• Maintain and monitor accuracy of all databases for special populations including Easy IEP, ELLevation, KIPP and SCS PowerSchool, Illuminate, Fastbridge, etc. 
• Ensure proper transfer of student files between districts and schools, including troubleshooting errors
• Monitor compliance of 504, ILP, and IEP hard files for compliance throughout the school year 

Related Services 

• Obtain bids from potential related service providers and assist in final contract decision 
• Review contracts to determine renewal 
• Maintain relationships between contracted providers throughout the school year 
• Serve as point of contact for concerns or needs in KIPP Memphis regarding contracted services
• Monitor compliance and service hours for related services across KIPP Memphis 
• Obtain schedules and contact information for all contracted workers 
• Develop partnerships with organizations to provide resources to KIPP Memphis

• Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s Degree Preferred 
• Holds an active teaching license in Special Education
• Commitment to KIPP Memphis; children and our mission, beliefs, and values 
• Zest, grit, self-control, hope, love, social intelligence, gratitude, and a sense of humor 
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and multi-tasking skills 
• Demonstrate a spirit of optimism 
• Capability to personally build, develop and retain strong relationships with school leaders, teachers, families, and other relevant stakeholders 
• Strong leadership and management skills and the ability to motivate, excite, and educate stakeholders Demonstrated success building and leading multiple functions and managing a dynamic team of professionals to succeed in their roles, in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment 
• Ability to self-direct and prioritize among competing goals, initiate process improvements, exhibit flexibility, and drive results 
• Excellent written, verbal communication, and presentation skills with keen attention to detail 
• Excellent public speaking, presentation, and networking skills 

KIPP Memphis is committed to a policy of equal treatment for all individuals applying to the school. KMCS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.