[2026-27] KIPP Durham ELA Lead Teacher 6-8 (5K Signing Bonus)

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 shape the future for your students and yourself within a supportive, growth-oriented environment.

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 communication (e.g., phone calls, weekly newsletters) and attendance at required events (Back-to-School Night, Parent-Teacher Conferences, Athletic Events, weekend community events, 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 and act on feedback from real-time classroom observations, one-on-ones, and school walkthroughs.
  • Attend Practice Clinics to master pedagogical skills and lesson delivery during prep time.
  • Participate in school and/or regionally led Professional Development on Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 3:30 - 5:00 pm weekly, and as needed for development.
• KIPP Employee Mindsets
  • All Means All: Serve the needs of every student, regardless of their abilities or levels.
  • See a Need, Fill a Need: Address needs at the school proactively, whether covering an absent teacher’s class or comforting a student in the hallway.
  • Openness to Feedback: Actively seek and incorporate feedback to improve professional practice.
  • Student Centered: Prioritize what is best for students in all decisions.

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.
• 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 receiving 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 location: KIPP Gaston, KIPP Charlotte, or KIPP Durham).
• Comprehensive benefits package:
  • Healthcare (medical, vision, and dental) at no cost to individuals and deep discounts for dependents.
  • Optional 403b retirement plan with employer match up to 6% of wages.
• Ongoing 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

• Monday, Thursday, and Friday: 7:30 am - 3:30 pm.
• Tuesday and Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm.
• Monthly Teacher Work Days for professional development, data analysis, and planning.

Curriculum, materials, and resources are provided.