Assistant Principal of Student Support

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 KPPS

At KPPS, we believe that talented, committed, and culturally competent educators and staff are 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.
• Student- and 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

At KPPS, the Assistant Principal of Student Support (APSS) leads the school's student support systems to ensure all students-especially those with the greatest needs-experience a joyful, affirming, and academically rigorous environment.

The APSS is responsible for the design and execution of special education, MTSS, and intervention systems, ensuring services are high-quality, data-driven, and compliant. They coach teachers and support staff, monitor student outcomes, and drive continuous improvement in support programming.

As a core member of the leadership team, the APSS partners with the Principal and regional teams to implement aligned systems and ensure all students receive the support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead School Based Special Education & Student Support Programming

• Develop, monitor, and evaluate the effectiveness of special education programs and other student supports (Intervention, 504, ELL, etc.)
• Serve as the school's point of contact for all external stakeholders and state compliance reporting for special education
• Monitor development and compliance of IEPs, 504s, Evaluations, and ELL programs and ensure programming and service delivery is implemented with fidelity.
• Manage related service and evaluation provision ensuring compliant and responsive timelines, programming, and reporting
• Lead Child Find efforts and drive intervention and evaluation processes.
• Design and lead the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) pre-service program to ensure that the school is intervening with students demonstrating needs at Tiers 2 and 3
• Manage and coach Special Education teachers and related service providers and lead Student Support content team.
• Consult on all discipline cases involving protected students and ensure procedural compliance.
• Liaise and engage with families via training, meetings, and consultations.
• Plan and deliver professional development related to special education and student support topics
• Review and respond to student support data sources including attendance, discipline, compliance monitoring, and progress monitoring

Coaching, Developing & Managing Teachers and Others

• Develop knowledge and expertise in all aspects of the KIPP Philadelphia Schools instructional design including curriculum, assessment and instructional moves
• Coach teachers and case managers, effectively identifying the teachers' strengths and growth areas, and leveraging a variety of coaching tools (including frequent observation, real time feedback, practice sessions) to evolve each teacher's craft and increase learning in their classroom and the effectiveness of their case management
• Build strong relationships with teachers built on trust, shared clarity, care and transparency
• Analyze instructional and compliance data for individual teachers and across the grade(s) or subject areas of focus, pulling out trends, bright spots, and needs and using findings to drive support and initiatives
• Design, lead, and participate in staff professional development, including but not limited to workshops, content teams, data step backs, content internalizations, and planning meetings
• Ensure all teachers have clarity on the expectations of their role, including performance goals connected to student outcomes, effective practice, and core values alignment
• Regularly meet with all teachers to provide feedback on their practice, review outcomes data, and provide the support needed for them to meet their performance goals
• Conduct mid-year and end-of year evaluation meetings with all teachers

• Support teachers in understanding certification expectations, resources, and next steps (provided by the regional office)

• Build up the leadership capacity of teachers over time, supporting teachers in building the skills, knowledge and mindsets essential to achieve their aspirations
• Coach and manage the Senior Social Worker or Social Worker
• Coach and manage the external and internal related service providers and support personnel including, but not limited to: School Psychologist, Speech & Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, ELL Teacher, Paraprofessionals, Personal Care Assistants, and other support personnel

Transformational Leadership and Fostering a Strong School Community

• Model KIPP Philadelphia's values and beliefs at all times (Children First, Cultural Competence, Community, Ownership)
• Support the implementation of proactive student discipline strategies
• Build strong relationships with students and implement systems that develop their knowledge, skills, social-emotional development, and positive sense of self
• Establish and maintain strong lines of communication with all fellow employees, parents and community partners
• Lead school-wide events and act as school leader when necessary
• Remain on call in the evenings (via school cell phone) to provide student support
• Lead and help execute school initiatives including but not limited to, annual planning for the coming year, implementation of new focus areas, and other duties as assigned by the School Leader

WHO YOU ARE

• You are deeply committed to unlocking the potential in every child, seeing their inherent brilliance and fostering their growth.
• You have a proven track record of driving student achievement and creating inclusive, warm, and rigorous learning environments where all students thrive.
• You are passionate about professional learning, eager to both facilitate growth in others and continuously develop as a leader.
• You operate with cultural humility, cultural competence, and an unwavering commitment to inclusion, anti-racism, and dismantling anti-Blackness in education.
• You believe in the transformative power of educators, recognizing that teachers are the primary catalysts for student growth, learning, and success.
• You set high expectations for both students and teachers, inspiring and motivating others to achieve excellence while holding them accountable with care and clarity.
• You are solutions-oriented, resilient, and adaptable, approaching challenges with creativity and a relentless focus on driving positive outcomes.

Qualifications

• Highly Qualified status as defined by the Pennsylvania Department of Education
• 2+ years of full-time special education teaching experience in an urban setting, with a track record of success
• 1+ years of experience coaching and developing teachers (as an AP, Instructional Coach, or like role)
• Bachelor's degree
• Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with the ability to connect quickly and authentically with diverse stakeholders
• Strong data analysis skills and the ability to use insights to drive decisions and improve systems
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills - clear, professional, and compelling
• Highly organized; able to manage multiple workstreams, meet deadlines, and maintain accurate information
• Demonstrated ability to navigate change, solve problems, and work effectively in an ambiguous, fast-paced environment
• Commitment to equity, belief in the potential of all students, and alignment with KPPS's mission and values.
• Openness to feedback, continuous learning, and personal/professional growth
• Hold Pennsylvania (or other state) teaching certification in Special Education
• Enroll in Pennsylvania leadership certification program (if not currently held) within one year of being in role
• Complete all required criminal and child abuse background checks:

• PA State Police Clearance
• PA Child Abuse Clearance
• Cogent Federal Fingerprinting

Additional Information

Compensation:

• Salary range for this position is $101,500-$128,500 commensurate with K-12 Principal experience, or similar roles in K-12 settings that include a) directly coaching, supporting, and managing a team of leaders/managers (including instructional leaders) and b) accountability for school-wide performance and compliance.
• 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.

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.