2026-2027 EC Teaching Assistant (Associates/48CH)

Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) North Carolina is a network of eight tuition-free, college-preparatory public charter schools educating approximately 3,000 students in grades K-12 across Durham, Halifax, Northampton, and Mecklenburg counties. At KIPP NC, we are committed to improving life outcomes for North Carolina’s children through research-based, rigorous curricula and by providing students with the roadmaps and guideposts they need to achieve success on their own terms. We value the gifts, skill, energy, love, and determination of our teachers and support their professional growth with respect, competitive pay, and benefits.

About the Role

As an Exceptional Children (EC) Assistant at KIPP NC, you will support students individually or in groups to help them benefit from our instructional program. You will work closely with classroom teachers to reinforce materials, assist with behavior management, and perform various physical and emotional support tasks to ensure student success.

Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional education students with physical help and emotional support to benefit from the instructional program.
• Establish supportive relationships with students without fostering intense emotional involvement.
• Guide and assist students with curriculum tasks set by classroom teachers.
• Reinforce materials initially introduced by classroom teachers through individual or small-group work.
• Assist with behavior management and disciplinary procedures consistent with school policies.
• Keep supervising teachers informed of any issues with specific students.
• Communicate with colleagues, families, and staff about student needs or special information as appropriate.
• Assist students with physical tasks such as putting on outerwear, moving between rooms, and using the bathroom.
• Perform simple errands and tasks for students, such as sharpening pencils or carrying lunch trays.
• Perform classroom health procedures under the supervision of the school nurse when necessary.
• Serve as a resource for the student evaluation team when requested.
• Embrace and incorporate feedback from colleagues, leaders, and students to pursue excellence.

Building Positive Classroom and Schoolwide Cultures

• Develop positive relationships with students, families, teachers, and staff through regular communication and attendance at school events.
• Leverage relationships to encourage positive behaviors and instructional habits in students.
• Participate fully in daily school routines, including arrival/dismissal, advisory/circle time, lunch, and hallway transitions.
• Embody, nurture, and build KIPP NC’s core values: Pursuing Excellence, Building Knowledge, Fighting Injustice, Sparking Joy, and Rising Together.
• Assume personal responsibility for student achievement and the success of all students and staff.
• Create and maintain a joyful classroom space that fosters belonging, celebrates learning, and affirms student identity.

Exemplifying a Growth Mindset

• Collaborate with leaders and coaches to identify areas of professional growth and development.
• Attend practice clinics to sharpen pedagogical skills and lesson delivery.
• Participate in Teacher Work Days, Regional Data Days, and after-school Professional Development meetings.

Requirements

• A deep commitment to the mission of KIPP NC and an unwavering belief in the potential of all students.
• A deep commitment to improving the lives of kids from economically marginalized communities.
• An Associate’s Degree OR 60+ earned college credit hours.
• Working toward a Bachelor’s degree with a goal of becoming a certified Exceptional Children’s Teacher (preferred).
• 3+ years of teaching experience in K-12; experience in high-performing charter schools or schools with a high population of students receiving free and reduced lunch (preferred).
• Demonstrated success in raising the achievement levels of economically marginalized students.
• Training and experience working with children with special needs.
• Ability to physically perform basic operational functions such as stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, hearing, and repetitive motion.
• Pass a criminal background check.

Schedule

• Hours: 7:30 AM - 3:45 PM Monday, Thursday, and Friday; 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Tuesday and Wednesday.
• Ability to lift 50+ lbs and stand for 8+ hours per day.

Pay

• Bachelor’s Degree: $39,000
• Associate’s Degree or 48+ college credit hours: $37,000

Benefits

• Health Insurance: State Health Plan with options for individuals, spouses, children, and families.
• Paid Parental Leave: 8 weeks of 100% paid maternity leave and 4 weeks of 100% paid paternity leave.
• Paid Time Off + Sick Leave: 5 days of PTO and 6 sick days annually.
• Retirement: Optional 403b with a generous employer match and immediate vesting.