School Leader

Company Description

KIPP is a national network of free, open‐enrollment, college‐preparatory public schools in under‐resourced communities throughout the United States. There are currently 281 locally‐run KIPP regions in more than 25 states and Washington, DC; nationally, KIPP serves approximately 120,000 students. More than 80 percent of KIPP students come from low‐income households, and more than 95 percent are African American or Hispanic/Latino. Through high expectations for students and staff, world‐class teachers and principals, more time in school, autonomy over budget and curriculum, and a focus on results, KIPP schools prepare traditionally underserved students for success in college and in life. KIPP schools have been widely recognized for their success in doing so, and today, nearly 85% of KIPP alumni nationally have matriculated to college.

All KIPP schools share a core set of operating principles, known as the Five Pillars, that KIPP believes help to lay the foundation for students to perform at the highest academic levels: High Expectations, Choice & Commitment, More Time, Power to Lead, and a Focus on Results.

KIPP Minnesota Overview

Who we are: KIPP Minnesota Schools is a network of high-performing college-preparatory public charter schools. Next year, we will serve over 300 students in grades K-8 (primary and middle) in north Minneapolis. KIPP Minnesota Schools is a fast-growing, entrepreneurial organization with significant growth plans in the coming years.

What we do: We do whatever it takes to help our students develop knowledge, skills, and strong character. We work relentlessly so that every one of our students has the opportunity to attend college and has access to the life of choice and opportunity that college provides. The KIPP Minnesota Regional Team supports our schools, school leaders, and staff through organizational and academic alignment, business management, strategic planning, and back office functions.

How we do it: There are no shortcuts to success. Outstanding educators, rigorous lessons, more time in school, and a strong school culture support our students as they climb the mountain to college. We work as a team, use data, and constantly reflect to improve our practice. We believe all of our KIPPsters can make it to and through college, and we stay with them every step of the way.

Why it matters: Approximately 1 in 10 students in our communities earn a college degree. We believe this is unjust and unacceptable and, most importantly, can be changed. Nationwide, over 85% of KIPP middle school alums matriculate to college.

Job Description

KIPP Minnesota seeks an exceptional School Leader/Principal for our upcoming school year.

We offer a highly competitive salary and benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and retirement benefits.

Starting Salary: $98,354 (salary is dependent on the experience and licensure. To inquire for more details, email hr@kippminnesota.org)

Other benefits include many paid days off, including breaks (we take an entire week in November and other points throughout the school year!), plus 12 additional PTO days for Regional staff. We also have "For You Fridays" (AKA an afternoon off) once per month.

Outside of the traditional employee benefits, joining the national KIPP network has several professional advantages. With over 240 schools nationwide, our access to resources, development, and professional connections is best in class.

The district is willing to work with applicants whose licenses are in process.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The School Leader/ Principal’s primary job is to drive academic and character outcomes for students. We expect our School Leaders/ Principals to focus their time on instructional leadership, specifically all activities involved in leading and developing teachers to improve their instruction and drive student achievement. At KIPP, we expect our School Leaders/ Principals to build lasting and sustainable schools by developing solid teams of effective teachers and staff with proven skills. The School Leader/ Principal plays a crucial role in developing their successor and the leadership capacity of their staff. School Leaders/ Principals are responsible for creating a solid culture and school community through family and student engagement.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Instructional Leadership, Academic Program, progress monitoring, new Teacher development, and evaluation

• Develop strong relationships with students, families, and community members to maximize involvement and support for student performance and self-actualization.
• Foster communication and collaboration amongst staff, families, and students to support school goals and encourage participation from all stakeholders in school programs and activities.
• Provide high-quality instructional coaching with frequent and scheduled teacher observations, actionable and bite-sized feedback, and accountability for adjustment in practice.

Culture:

• Adult culture: building and managing a cohesive team and developing leaders amongst the team. Creating a data-informed school culture and practices for adult learning, professional development, and decision-making. Establishing systems that promote adult learning, collaboration, and communication throughout the school and community. An exemplar of diversity, equity, and inclusion, promoting an environment of fairness and equality for all.
• Student Culture: Leads school culture and maintains an environment that successfully develops the full range of student learning capacity- academic, creative, social, emotional, behavioral, and physical. Build strong teams to maintain a school culture centered on academic excellence.
• Regional Leadership Culture: The expectation is to support and maintain a regional collaboration, alignment, and consolidation culture. Maintains professionalism and promotes a healthy team atmosphere at the regional leadership level. Demonstrates KIPP MN’s values and understands the importance of alignment amongst decision-making, change, and goal attainment.

Ops Lead Support

• Manage day-to-day operations of the school with the school operation leaders to ensure a safe and healthy environment for staff and students.

Qualifications

DESIRED EXPERIENCE

Required

• An unwavering belief in the mission of KIPP
• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Leadership, related fields, or other advanced degree.
• 2-4 years of school leadership experience, including instructional coaching, curriculum development, and managing others.
• 2-4 years of teaching experience (Primary School and/or Middle School)
• Demonstrated success in raising the achievement levels of traditionally under-served students as a teacher and as an instructional coach
• Record of exceptional student achievement.
• Agility to adapt in ever-changing and fast-paced environments.
• Substantial personal flexibility with demonstrated self-development, self-knowledge, and personal learning.
• Demonstrated strong verbal and written communication.
• Has firm conflict resolution, creative problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Business acumen and adaptive skills in the education industry.
• Has proven ability to develop and maintain a positive, diverse, creative, high-performing team and culture.

Highly Preferred

• Master’s degree
• Valid Minnesota teaching license (or ability to obtain one before start of the school year)
• Experience working in historically educationally underserved communities and communities of color

Additional Information

COMPENSATION

$98,354 DOQ

• To establish equitable salary practices, the compensation package is derived from the Regional KIPP Minnesota pay scale and benefits package, which includes medical, dental, life, long-term disability, and retirement benefits and an annual salary review and revision.

How to Apply

We are committed to hiring a diverse, multicultural leadership team and encourage applications from traditionally under-represented backgrounds. Please apply online here. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

KIPP:MN is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind: KIPP:MN is committed to equal employment opportunity for all candidates and employees, providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on our business needs, job requirements and required qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental, or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by protected by federal, state or local laws. KIPP:MN will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on these characteristics.”

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.