Middle School Special Education Teacher

Company Description

At KIPP Baltimore, we know that education has the power to change lives and build stronger communities. As part of the national KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) network, we are driven by a shared mission to ensure that every student has access to an excellent education that prepares them for success in college and life. Our teachers are instrumental in shaping this vision. You will be a vital part of an effort to uplift students from systemically underserved communities, ensuring they achieve their full potential.

Why Join KIPP Baltimore?

At KIPP Baltimore, we know that teachers are the key to unlocking student potential. As a Baltimore City Public Schools employee, you'll receive competitive compensation and benefits, while thriving in a supportive, dynamic environment dedicated to your growth and success.

You will have access to robust professional development opportunities and clear leadership pathways, empowering you to continuously refine your skills and take on new challenges. Your ideas and contributions are valued and celebrated, and you'll play an essential role in shaping the future of our students and community.

In recognition of the extra dedication you bring, you will be compensated for additional time invested in professional development beyond the standard 180 school days. For example, our teachers are paid for five extra days at the start of the school year, ensuring you are fully equipped to thrive in the classroom. Join us in making a lasting impact on Baltimore's students and schools.

As a Special Education Teacher (Social Studies/Science) at KIPP Baltimore, you are a catalyst for student success. You will ignite a passion for learning while helping students with diverse learning needs master essential social studies, science, and social-emotional skills. As the architect of a dynamic and engaging inclusive learning experience, you will plan, implement, and reflect on instruction — including IEP-aligned accommodations and modifications — to prepare students for success both in school and in life. Collaborating closely with your grade-level team, general education co-teachers, interventionist, and Principal, you will play an active role in fostering a culture of excellence and high expectations, ensuring every student thrives and the mission of KIPP Harmony and KIPP Ujima Village Academy is realized.

Position Responsibilities:

Instruction and Academic Growth

• Hold high expectations for all students and work relentlessly to foster their academic and personal growth.
• Set class and individual goals — including IEP goals — using ongoing assessments to track progress and adjust instruction as needed.
• Design and implement data-driven assessments that inform instructional decisions and support continuous growth.
• Apply deep knowledge of special education practices and social studies/science content to deliver engaging, standards-aligned, and accessible instruction.
• Demonstrate mastery of grade-level social studies and science standards, benchmarks, and curriculum, ensuring alignment in all instructional plans.
• Develop long-term plans, units, and lessons using backward design, with a focus on student mastery and IEP-aligned outcomes.
• Plan lessons that foster critical thinking, scientific inquiry, historical analysis, and meet the diverse learning needs of students.
• Differentiate instruction and provide specialized supports, accommodations, and modifications to effectively address each student's unique needs.
• Write, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in collaboration with related service providers and families.
• Collaborate with general education teachers to co-plan and co-teach inclusive social studies/science instruction.

Classroom Management and Culture

• Implement and reinforce school-wide culture and management policies both in the classroom and across the school.
• Establish a supportive and disciplined classroom environment that promotes student responsibility and success.
• Foster a positive learning atmosphere that encourages student self-efficacy and independence.

Relationships and Community Engagement

• Build strong, trusting relationships with students, families, and colleagues to support student success.
• Incorporate students' backgrounds and experiences into instruction, valuing their unique contributions.
• Communicate proactively and effectively with parents, students, staff, and guests through various channels.
• Uphold the school's vision, mission, and values by actively engaging with families and communities through open communication and events.

Professionalism and Development

• Engage in professional development by collaborating with colleagues, reflecting on instructional practices, and continuously seeking ways to improve.
• Demonstrate a commitment to professional growth, attending extended professional development and modeling professionalism in behavior and attire.
• Adhere to all school policies, complete clerical and compliance tasks (including IEP documentation) as needed, and take leadership roles in school-wide initiatives and committees.

• Maryland State Teacher Certification in Special Education, or eligibility to obtain certification (Required)
• Eligible for hire by Baltimore City Public Schools (Required)
• Two years of teaching experience in a public school, ideally in special education and/or social studies or science (Strongly Preferred)
• Passion for working with students from historically resilient communities (Required)
• Experience teaching in a predominantly African American environment (Preferred)
• Experience writing and implementing IEPs, and collaborating in co-taught or inclusion settings (Preferred)

• Desired Qualities:

  Knowledge That Empowers: You bring a deep mastery of special education practice and social studies/science content, and have a talent for making that content come alive for students of all learning profiles. Like a skilled guide, you help students connect what they learn in the classroom to the world around them, sparking curiosity and a love for learning that transcends the school day.

  Data-Driven Excellence: You are driven by student success. Using data — including IEP progress monitoring — like a compass, you adjust your instruction in real time to ensure every student is progressing. You engage in a continuous cycle of planning, delivering, assessing, and reflecting, always focused on helping students reach their next milestone in both academics and social-emotional learning.

  Joyful and Inclusive Classroom: You are the heart of your classroom, creating a space where every student feels seen, heard, and respected. You encourage students to take ownership of their learning, fostering independence and promoting student voice. You work hand-in-hand with families and related service providers to set and achieve ambitious academic and social-emotional goals.

  Reflective Leadership and Growth: You see every challenge as an opportunity. As a lifelong learner, you are always seeking feedback and refining your practice. You reflect on your own identity and biases, using this self-awareness to strengthen your relationships with students and colleagues. Your growth mindset not only fuels your own development but also inspires your students to embrace challenges with confidence.

  Planned and Prepared: You approach each day with intention and purpose, fully internalizing your lessons and IEP requirements to ensure every student can achieve success. Your thorough preparation empowers you to create dynamic, impactful learning experiences that resonate with students. By anticipating challenges and confidently adapting, you ensure all students have the tools and support they need to thrive and reach their highest potential.

As a Baltimore City Schools employee, you'll receive a competitive salary with opportunities for growth. Benefits include health insurance (Kaiser, BlueChoice, CareFirst), dental and vision coverage, prescription medication, and retirement plans through the State of Maryland or City of Baltimore, plus optional 403(b) savings plans. Additional benefits include life and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance counseling, dependent child tuition waivers, and higher education tuition reimbursement.

Application Steps

1. Submit an Online KIPP Application:
   Explore our job board to find a position that aligns with your interests and expertise.
2. Complete a Phone Interview:
   Our Recruitment Manager will conduct an initial phone interview. To accommodate a teacher's busy schedule, we offer both daytime and evening interview options.
3. Complete the Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPSS) Application:
   All candidates must submit an application through Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPSS). In Maryland, charter school teachers are employees of the school district, with salaries, benefits, and pensions provided through BCPSS. Candidates must be deemed eligible for hire by BCPSS to proceed in our selection process.
4. Submit a Sample Video Lesson and Pre-Interview Work:
   Teaching candidates will submit a 30-45 minute video demonstrating their teaching, following the provided guidelines. Pre-interview work includes preparing classroom data to discuss during the on-site interview and submitting a brief written response to an interview question.
5. Participate in an On-Site Interview:

Start Date: 26-27 School Year

For more information about this position, please contact Cha`Dalena Hart, Recruitment Manager, at View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io

Statement of Non-Discrimination: KIPP Baltimore is committed to the ideal of diversity in its student body and in its faculty and staff. KIPP Baltimore does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, or ethnicity. We are strongly committed to hiring a diverse and multicultural staff and encourage applications from traditionally under-represented backgrounds.