KIPP, the Knowledge Is Power Program, is a national network of free, open enrollment, college preparatory public schools dedicated to preparing students in underserved communities for success in college and life. There are 285 KIPP schools across the nation and the District of Columbia, serving more than 175,000 students and alumni with more than 15,000 educators. 

Founded in 2008 with 50 students in 5th grade, KIPP Columbus currently educates  2,000 students in grades Kindergarten through twelfth.  With a mission to, together with families and the community, create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose -- college, career, and beyond --  KIPP has maintained excellence in its growth, and will improve upon that standard – proving what is possible in public education.

KIPP Columbus continues to rank as one of the top schools for academic growth of any school in the state of Ohio, and is a top performing urban school in the state for academic growth. In our first three graduating classes (in spring 2020, 2021, and 2022) 100% of students were accepted to college and/or military service  with nearly $40 million in merit scholarships from colleges and universities awarded.

In addition to academic excellence, KIPP Columbus also partners with nearly 100 community organizations to provide extracurricular activities, programming, health and wellness services, meals, and more to KIPP students, families, and the broader community. KIPP is also a member of the Ohio High School Athletic Association, offering more than 10 varsity sports. 

The KIPP Columbus learning campus will continue to advance student learning, expand partnerships, enable superior programming, and serve as a teaching and leadership lab for schools nationwide, reimagining education through a deeper lens of antiracism, excellence, and joy as we expand to educate nearly 4,000 students on our learning campus in the coming years. 

Interested in learning more about our school?  Please check out our website: https://www.kippcolumbus.org/

The Opportunity

Quality teachers have a proven impact on student success. Maximize your impact by joining KIPP Columbus' teacher training program. Through the INSPIRE (New Teacher) Fellowship, we equip and empower aspiring teachers with the knowledge, skills, and mindsets necessary to develop into highly effective educators that prepare students for success in college, careers, and life. Our INSPIRE Teaching Fellows receive 1 year of hands-on teaching experience, unparalleled coaching, professional development, and a commitment to educational equity! You’ll train in a transformational KIPP Columbus school led by a diverse group of administrators, teachers, and staff. As you master your craft, you will learn from dynamic, experienced educators with ample resources and a strong curriculum. Our Fellows have become Teachers of the Year, school leaders, and advocates for educational equity. Fellows from all majors and experience levels are accepted are accepted for the upcoming school year.  

Throughout the year, Fellows learn and grow by engaging in four key components of our program:

1. Deliberate Practice: Fellows will frequently engage in deliberate practice through participation in professional development with a focus on lesson planning and classroom management.

2. Gradual Release of Responsibility: Through the guidance and support of a mentor teacher, fellows will take part in increased opportunities to lead teach in an environment that is structured and stable. The mentor also fosters a positive, nurturing, and connected relationship with the Fellow.  

3. Instructional Coaching:  A coach/manager will help to oversee the Mentor-Fellow relationship, ensure that Fellows have a safe and supportive platform to practice acquired skills and lead Fellows through observation-feedback meetings that are individualized and responsive to each Fellow’s unique needs. 

4. KIPP Columbus Mission, Vision and Values: Fellows will have opportunities to engage, invest in, and connect with KIPP Columbus’ Mission, Vision, Values, the role of a teacher at KIPP Columbus, and the community as a whole.  They will leave the Fellowship program inspired to continue the work and advance the mission.

• Bachelor’s degree
• Willingness to pursue a teaching license through the state of Ohio 
• Belief that outstanding school leaders, staff, and teachers can achieve excellent outcomes for all students.
• Ability to persevere with a sense of optimism, strong problem solving skills, and desire to learn and grow in a collaborative professional learning community.
• Willingness, and commitment, to go above and beyond to prove the possible with students.
• Ability to multi-task and work within an ambiguous, fast-moving, start-up environment, while driving toward clarity and solutions.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Extreme flexibility, with a strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit to accommodate high levels of responsibility and multiple priorities.
• Model the values of KIPP Columbus (Imagine, Navigate, Seek, Persevere, Integrity, Responsibility, and Empathy).

Compensation and Benefits

INSPIRE Fellows annual salary is $35,000, with an additional $5,000 sign on bonus ($2,000 after 90 days of employment and $3,000 at the completion of the fellowship year) for the 23-24 school year. Fellows also receive a comprehensive benefit plan including medical and dental insurance, as well as group term life insurance, retirement plan and paid time off. If you move into a teaching role after your fellowship year, you move onto our teacher salary scale that begins at $50,000.

Statement of Non-Disclosure

KIPP Columbus is committed to a policy of equal treatment for all individuals applying to the school for consideration of any position (admission, employment, etc.). KIPP Columbus does not discriminate on the basis of disability, gender, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic that is contained in the definition of hate crimes set forth in Section 4112.02 of the Ohio Revised Code.