ABOUT KIPP CHICAGO SCHOOLS

At KIPP Chicago, we are guided by a simple, yet powerful mission: Together with families and communities, we 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. Our campuses are located in the Austin, Englewood, North Lawndale, and West Humboldt Park neighborhoods. KIPP Chicago also advises over 2000 KIPP alumni currently in high school or college through our KIPP Forward program.  KIPP Chicago is the highest-performing network of schools in Chicago, as measured by our city’s school quality index.  We attract, develop, and retain a diverse and talented staff of educators. Our students and families choose our schools because our teachers are exceptional educators who work together as a collective to ensure students achieve and thrive.  For more data and information about our successes and vision for the future, visit www.kippchicago.org

KIPP Chicago is looking for a dynamic and dedicated Achievement Director - Diverse Learning to become part of a vibrant educational community. This position has been designed to support Diverse Learning instruction and to provide an increased focus on addressing the heightened academic needs of students receiving special education services. This role is more important than ever, given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

This individual is specially trained in coaching and developing Assistant Principals and School Leaders as well as Diverse Learning teachers in providing instructional scaffolds and assessing student strengths and areas for growth using both formative and summative assessment data as well as qualitative observation data. This leader has expertise in the modification and implementation of high quality lesson plans, lesson materials, and assessments, and in the construction of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). They are a vital member of the KIPP Chicago Academic Team and play an important part in region-wide planning, as it pertains to enhancing outcomes for diverse learners. The Achievement Director - Diverse Learning must be energized by and experienced at systems design and implementation, consensus building, facilitating professional learning as well as creating and modifying grade level, standards aligned curriculum that promotes academic success in the least restrictive environment.

As such, the role requires a deep commitment to making decisions in service of students and families and to collaboration across school leadership teams and the Academic Team. The Achievement Director - Diverse Learning reports directly to the Deputy Superintendent and supplements the work of the Achievement Directors for Math, Science, ELA, and Academic Operations. Their impact is felt across all eight KIPP Chicago schools. The role of the  Achievement Director - Diverse Learning requires regular travel between campuses located in the North Lawndale, Austin, West Humboldt Park, and Englewood communities.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

 Curriculum & Assessment Instructional Support

• In collaboration with the Deputy Superintendent and Achievement Directors, design and implement a research based approach to MTSS interventions and progress monitoring across KIPP Chicago campuses.

• Support Diverse Learning and General Education teachers in designing & implementing rigorous and culturally responsive lessons that meet the individual needs of diverse learners while also ensuring they receive access to grade level learning opportunities.

• Modify grade level summative assessments for those students receiving modifications and accommodations.

• Supplement long term strategic plans and instructional priorities to ensure they are inclusive of the needs of Diverse Learning students and teachers.

 Design & Facilitate Professional Learning

• Lead ongoing professional development region-wide to School Leaders, Assistant Principals, Diverse Learning Teachers, and General Education Teachers. This includes but is not limited to Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), implementing research-based interventions, lesson planning and modifying assessments, data analysis and action planning, writing impactful Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), progress monitoring, differentiation and co-teaching. 

• Adapt and train all School Leaders and Assistant Principals on content specific coaching protocols and rubrics to better meet the coaching needs of Diverse Learning staff.

Data Analysis

• Manage the facilitation of all standardized assessments taken by Diverse Learning students, to ensure all modifications and accommodations are provided.  

• Roll up all student achievement data for students in MTSS and receiving Diverse Learning services on the requested cycle.

• Identify strategic levers of improvement along with aligned action plans that ensure the needs of Diverse Learning students are addressed and achievement and IEP goals are met.

Proposed Goals: 

• All KIPP Chicago schools use a standardized approach to implementing and progress monitoring MTSS and IEP goals for all grades and subject matters

• 100% of KIPP Chicago students receiving MTSS interventions receive researched based interventions with fidelity prior to referrals and eligibility determinations.  

• All KIPP Chicago schools implement instructional reference guidelines (created by the Achievement Director - Diverse Learning) to ensure services are provided in the student’s least restrictive environment, while granting access to grade level learning opportunities. 

• All KIPP Chicago students receiving Diverse Learning services demonstrate at least one year of academic growth as measured by the NWEA MAP test (or another cross-school assessment that measures academic growth) and meet the goals as set forth in their Individualized Education Program each school year.

1. Possess a current Illinois teacher license with the Learning Behavior Specialist 1 (LBS 1) endorsement or equivalent out-of-state license that will transfer to Illinois (required).

2. Knowledge of federal and state special education law and best practices for special education. 

3. At least 4-5 years of experience working full time as a Diverse Learning/Special Education teacher across grades kinder through 8th. This experience should include working in a self-contained and co-taught environment with a strong belief in and track record of inclusive education.

4. Experience leading academic programming at the regional or network level is strongly preferred. Leading the Diverse Learning instructional program for at least one primary (K-4) or middle school (5-8) is a minimum requirement to be considered for this role.

5. Experience teaching and leading teachers and students to achieve academic success in traditionally under-resourced communities.

6. Experience designing, implementing, progress monitoring and holding teachers and leaders accountable to best practices in the areas of MTSS and Diverse Learning programming in an inclusive setting. 

7. Unquestioned ethics, integrity, and commitment to the KIPP Chicago mission and willingness to serve the KIPP Chicago community.

8. Excellent organizational, communication, and facilitation skills as well as a commitment to continuous learning, self-reflection, leading and coaching across differences.

9. Cleared CPS Background check 

10. Documentation of COVID-19 Vaccination by July 1, 2022 or approved medical or religious exemption. 

COMPENSATION

KIPP Chicago Schools offers a competitive compensation and benefits package:

• Salaries based on experience related to role and responsibilities

• Competitive rates for medical insurance and short-term disability insurance.  Dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, and long-term disability insurance are offered at no cost.

• Competitive retirement savings benefits 

STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

KIPP Chicago is committed to a policy of equal treatment for all individuals applying for employment. KIPP Chicago does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic background. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.