[2026-2027] Elementary Building Substitute

Job Description

Job Description

Company Description

About KIPP

KIPP Public Schools is a national network of tuition-free public charter schools preparing students with the skills and confidence needed to create the futures they want for themselves, their communities, and us all. We are a network of 279 schools, nearly 16,500 educators, and 210,000 students and alumni. KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools (KPPS) is part of the national KIPP Public Schools network and currently leads eight schools serving 3,400 students in North and West Philadelphia. By 2030, KPPS will be serving approximately 4,000 students.

KPPS Mission

Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students to pursue the paths they choose—college, career, and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world.

Life at KIPP Philly

At KPPS, we believe that talented, committed, and culturally competent educators and staff are the foundation of our students' success. We work to create a professional community grounded in joy, candor, care, and connection – where every team member can bring their authentic self, grow in their craft, and contribute to meaningful work. Here is what you can expect:

• Commitment to Anti-Racism & Equity: Join a team dedicated to dismantling systemic barriers and creating inclusive, culturally responsive schools where all students and staff can thrive.
• Joyful, Inclusive Community: Work in a collaborative, identity-affirming environment that values relationships, celebrates individuality, and supports the well-being of adults and children alike.
• Competitive & Equitable Compensation: Benefit from transparent compensation structures, including performance-based bonuses that recognize meaningful contributions.
• Professional Growth & Leadership Pathways: Access high-quality development – including coaching, workshops, and tailored leadership opportunities – designed to support your long-term career trajectory.
• Authenticity & Belonging : Be part of a culture that encourages you to show up as your full self and contribute to a community rooted in trust and respect.
• People-Centered Excellence: Join colleagues who believe strong relationships and thoughtful preparation drive excellent outcomes—for students and for staff.
• Comprehensive Well-Being Support: Receive whole-person support through coaching, mental health resources, wellness initiatives, and team-building experiences that prioritize your professional and personal growth.

Job Description

Role Overview:

The Building Substitute provides critical, flexible support to students, classrooms, and the building at large that help our schools ensure that a) learning is maximized for students every day and b) successful, smooth day-to-day operations. The Building Substitute will provide classroom coverage as needed and should be comfortable and confident stepping into lead quality instruction across a variety of classrooms (guidance and resources will be provided). The Building Substitute will also provide a variety of other support services that support the healthy functioning of the school, including support with arrival, dismissal and transitions, general classroom assistance, student supervision and support in common spaces (like lunch and recess), tutoring and small group learning, and other relevant duties as assigned. The daily hours for this position are 8:00-4:30 daily. Candidates should note that while this is a one-year, grant-funded role, this position offers opportunities for growth; a number of past Building Substitutes at KPPS have gone on to serve as highly successful, permanent lead teachers at our schools. 

Key Responsibilities:

Instructional Support

• Serve as a flexible substitute teacher, providing short-term coverage for lead teachers across the building
• Provide high quality instructional support in whole group and small group settings as needed
• Exhibit positive rapport with students, parents, families and staff and act as a role model for students
• Teach challenging, engaging and differentiated lessons linked to state standards
• Effectively leverage provided curricular resources and tools
• Create and foster a positive, safe learning environment that incorporates the school’s classroom management systems, core values, and code of conduct
• Demonstrate strong pedagogy and effective classroom management
• Track student progress and use data to refine and inform instruction
• Participate in all staff meetings, coaching and professional development opportunities
• Perform clerical duties as required relating to attendance reports, student reports and records, etc.
• Be available for report card nights and other events involving parents/guardians
• Other relevant duties as assigned by the school leader

Supplementary School Support

• Understand and uphold school routines and procedures
• Support with student arrival, dismissal, transitions, lunch and recess
• Provide basic operational and student support as needed to support the healthy functioning of the school, including distribution or collection of materials, communication, organization of supplies, etc.
• Other relevant duties as assigned by the school leader

Qualifications

Who You Are:

• You love and see the high potential of all children.
• You have experience driving student growth and achievement and creating a warm, inclusive, rigorous learning environment.
• You have passion for facilitating professional learning, including a desire to continuously grow and learn as a leader.
• You operate with cultural competence and a commitment to inclusion, anti-racism, and the eradication of anti-Blackness. 
• You believe that teachers are the primary drivers of student growth, learning and achievement.
• You have high expectations for students and teachers; and the ability to motivate, inspire and hold others accountable.
• You are solution-orientated and have an eagerness to adapt in order to solve problems.
• You have strong classroom management skills.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Prior experience in educational settings required.
• Complete all required criminal and child abuse background checks prior to start date:
  • PA State Police Clearance
  • PA Child Abuse Clearance
  • Cogent Federal Fingerprinting

Additional Information

Compensation:

• The salary for this position is $45,000.00  
• All full-time team members at KPPS enjoy a comprehensive health benefits package (including vision and dental, a telehealth option, and flexible spending accounts) for themselves and their families as well as a 403B matching program for retirement savings and free access to financial advising services.

Note To Applicants:

• KIPP Philadelphia Schools is an equal opportunity employer. Employees are selected on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law.

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