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 280 KIPP schools across the nation serving nearly 120,000 students.  Founded in 2002, KIPP Memphis serves over 1,500 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.

Position Overview 

The Director of Early Literacy (DEL) drives student outcomes in early literacy for KIPP Memphis. In partnership with the KIPP Memphis Academics teams, the DEL will own the design, management, and execution of the early literacy program, ensuring we are providing high-quality, anti-racist literacy instruction to our youngest KIPPsters. 

Key Responsibilities 

Program Vision: 

• Owns program design, to include setting and monitoring progress towards program goals, creation of key program deliverables (curriculum implementation and coaching tools, formal professional development calendar, etc.) 
• Manages key program stakeholders through organizing meetings, designing and executing a communication strategy 
• In collaboration with regional academics team, supports significant and equitable student growth and outcomes in literacy  

 Program Implementation: 

• Engage and invest stakeholders (teachers, school leaders, students, families) in the vision of high-quality literacy instruction 
• Ensure all students are assessed on a high-quality literacy screener at least three times per year 
• Leads implementation of a high-quality literacy curriculum, including all aspects of word recognition, language comprehension, and writing 
• Coaches school-based instructional leaders in curriculum implementation and data-driven instruction 
• Analyze regional data in partnership with Data Team, including examining data cut by and across groups to ensure that instruction is driving equitable outcomes 
• Create data-driven action plans that promote student achievement in word recognition, language comprehension, and writing 
• Observe instructional practices in schools to identify and address curriculum design and professional development strengths and gaps 

Manages the development of  K-3 literacy leaders and teachers by: 

• Designing and leading regional professional development, both baseline pedagogy and curriculum/assessment-specific training. 
• Designing structures and systems for school leaders and instructional coaches to support content knowledge development and curriculum implementation  
• Leading monthly school walk-throughs and classroom observations with school and regional leadership teams. 
• Collaborate with school-based leaders and teachers to devise meaningful action steps that improve student outcomes

Skills 

• Possesses a deep commitment to both racial and educational equity; supports the building of an organization that reflects the community KIPP serves; holds self and others on team accountable for centering equity 
• Examines the impact of his/her/their identities, biases, assumptions, and behaviors on his/her/their power and privilege, interactions with others, work and leadership in the organization; able to recognize, immediately respond, and consistently remedy interpersonal and systemic bias and inequities 
• Demonstrated excellence in instructional leadership, including instructional coaching, leading professional development, and student outcomes 
• Demonstrated proficiency in leading through change, executing on major initiatives, and leading cross- departmental work 
• Excellent relationship builder with proven experience managing diverse stakeholders, leading change, and mobilizing others and creating champions to support an organizational mission 
• Demonstrated achievement in partnership development, including an ability to mobilize people and create champions to support an organizational mission 
• Ability to analyze and use qualitative and quantitative data on a regular basis to drive decision making; strong judgment 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required, preference for a Master’s Degree in reading or a closely related degree with a Reading Specialist certification/evidence of coursework reading/literacy training equivalent to 9+ hours of college credits
• Possesses a deep commitment to both racial and educational equity; supports the building of an organization that reflects the community KIPP serves; holds self and others on team accountable for centering equity
• Ability to evaluate and implement literacy instructional programs and a deep content knowledge of research-based literacy practices
• At least 3 years of demonstrable success in teaching reading or coaching reading in a Title I school that takes an explicit phonics-based approach to teaching foundational reading skills 
• Minimum 1 year of experience in a coaching role (dean of instructional, instructional coach, etc.) with demonstrated success in getting academic results through others 
• Experience analyzing student data and using data to inform instruction and drive results 
• Experience managing adults; goal-setting, providing meaningful feedback, and driving results through others 

• Experience leading engaging and effective professional development for adults 
• Strong communication skills and follow-through 
• Demonstrated initiative in prioritizing amidst complex needs and strategically planning to get results 
• Flexibility and ability to multi-task within an ambiguous, fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment while also driving toward clarity and solutions 
• Working knowledge of Common Core Standards and the pedagogical shifts they demand 

• Demonstrated passion for the mission, vision and values of KIPP Memphis; comfort and willingness to actively participate in the school and neighborhood community 
• Excellent relationship builder with demonstrated experience managing diverse stakeholders, leading change, and mobilizing others and creating champions to support an organizational mission

Compensation and Benefits: Compensation for this position is defined by KIPP Memphis Schools Office of Human Capital, and is based upon the highest degree obtained, and years of experience. 

KIPP Memphis offers a comprehensive benefits package.
 
Start Date: July 1, 2023

Statement of Non-Discrimination:  KIPP Memphis is committed to the ideal of diversity in its student body and in its faculty and staff.  KIPP Memphis does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, or ethnicity. We are strongly committed to hiring a diverse and multicultural staff and encourage applications from traditionally under-represented backgrounds.