[2026-2027] Lead Teacher KIPP Pride Elementary (Lower Elementary)

About the role

KIPP North Carolina teachers are at the core of our mission to help students develop the knowledge, skills, and character strengths needed to succeed throughout their education and in the competitive world beyond. As a Lead Teacher, you will prepare and deliver rigorous, research-based curricula, build a positive school and classroom culture, and demonstrate a growth mindset through collaboration and professional development.

Responsibilities

• Instruction Preparation & Delivery
  • Review, internalize, and facilitate KIPP NC-adopted & scripted curriculum:
    • K–8 Math: Open Up Resources
    • K–8 ELA: Fish Tank
    • K–8 Science: Amplify & supported materials to match NC Standards
    • 9–12 English & History: AP For All Curriculum
    • 9–12 Math & Science: KIPP NC Approved Materials
  • Practice lesson delivery to execute curriculum at a high level while following the pacing guide with fidelity.
  • Create exemplar responses and documents to hold students accountable.
  • Use assessment data (Interim Assessments, MAP, EOGs, EOCs, summative, formative, etc.) to drive instruction and adjust lessons to meet student needs.
  • Embrace and incorporate feedback in pursuit of excellence.
  • Maintain accurate gradebook, records, and data tracking systems.
• Build a Positive School and Classroom Culture
  • Embody and maintain school’s values, policies, and culture.
  • Assume personal responsibility for student achievement.
  • Maintain a clean classroom displaying student work and grade-level/content-appropriate decorations.
  • Develop positive relationships with students, families, teachers, and staff through:
    • Regular positive phone calls to families.
    • Weekly newsletters about the classroom.
    • Attendance at required events, including Back-to-School Night, Parent-Teacher Conferences, Athletic Events, occasional weekend community events, and Report Card Conferences.
  • Participate in daily school functions, including arrival, advisory/circle time, lunch duty, recess, and dismissal.
• Demonstrate a Growth Mindset
  • Collaborate with your coach to identify areas of strength and growth for professional development each year.
  • Receive feedback—sometimes in real-time during class, in one-on-ones, regular classroom observations, and school walkthroughs.
  • Attend Practice Clinics to master pedagogical skills and lesson delivery during prep time.
  • Attend school and/or regionally led Professional Development Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 3:30–5:00 pm each week and as needed for development.
• KIPP Employee Mindsets
  • All Means All: Serve the needs of every student, no matter their abilities or levels.
  • See a Need, Fill a Need: Address needs at the school, whether covering an absent teacher’s class or comforting a student in the hallway.
  • Openness to Feedback: Improve as a professional by being open to feedback, practicing teacher moves, and engaging in observations and one-on-ones.
  • Student Centered: Always do what’s best for students.

Requirements

• Required Qualifications
  • A deep commitment to the mission of KIPP NC and an unwavering belief in the potential of all students.
  • Possess a deep commitment to improving the lives of kids from economically marginalized communities.
  • Valid North Carolina teaching license, ability to seek reciprocity, or willingness to pursue state certification.
  • A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant content area.
  • Pass a criminal background check.
  • Demonstrated commitment to closing the opportunity gap.
  • Enthusiasm, grit, professionalism, and a sense of humor.
  • Ability to stand and actively monitor classrooms for 8+ hours each day.
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs or more as necessary.
• Preferred Qualifications
  • At least 2 full years of teaching experience in K–12.
  • Experience teaching in a high-performing charter school and/or schools with a high population of students with free and reduced lunch.
  • Demonstrated success in raising the achievement levels of economically marginalized students.
  • Passed or will pass the Praxis exams by September 2025.
  • Fluency in Spanish.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with supplements for active NC licensure (varies by region: KIPP Gaston, KIPP Charlotte, KIPP Durham).
• Salaries paid semi-monthly throughout the year.
• Comprehensive benefits package including:
  • Healthcare (medical, vision, and dental) at no cost to individuals and deep discounts for dependents.
  • Enrollment in an optional 403b with employer match up to 6% of wages.
• On-going professional development opportunities:
  • Support programs for new teachers.
  • Assigned coaching and weekly/biweekly development meetings for all teachers.
  • Regular content and grade-level specific professional development.
  • Teaching licensure support.
• Generous time off:
  • Paid Time Off (5 days PTO & 6 days sick leave annually).
  • Paid time off for all major national holidays, including Fall Break, Winter Break, Spring Break, and approximately 5 weeks off during the summer.

Schedule

Hours are Monday, Thursday, and Friday 7:30 am–3:30 pm, and Tuesday and Wednesday 7:30 am–5:00 pm. Each month, teachers have Teacher Work Days that include professional development, data analysis, and other activities to advance student learning. Curriculum, materials, and resources are provided.