Elementary School Music Teacher

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 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

Key Responsibilities:

The Special Education Teacher will manage a caseload and provide direct support for students with special needs to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical and social growth. This teacher will demonstrate professional leadership through collaborative case management with general education teachers, para professionals, and related service providers.

Classroom Responsibilities

• Ensure that all children feel affirmed, valued and challenged every day 
• Create rigorous, engaging unit and daily lesson plans leveraging provided curricula/resources (in most cases)
• Infuse core values into daily lessons and every school practice, implementing school-wide student culture systems and positive classroom management strategies
• Maintain a productive, organized, safe, neat and focused learning environment
• Regularly analyze student work and academic data to adjust lessons, refine curricula and inform instructional practices
• Provide necessary accommodations and modifications for growth and success of all students
• Maintain accurate student grades/records and strong lines of communication with families regarding students’ growth and progress
• Model and implement all school policies within the classroom
• Serve as a role model for students

Professional Responsibilities

• Take ownership for the development of your craft (meet 1x/1-2 weeks with an instructional coach, implement feedback, engage in active practice, etc.)
• Actively engage in all school-wide professional development 
• Serve as a positive, contributing member of a grade team, collaborating with colleagues to tackle common challenges and implement grade-wide initiatives
• Share candid, solutions-oriented feedback with peers and school leadership on a regular basis
• Embody KPPS core values: Children First, Cultural Competence, Ownership, Community
• Enroll in/complete a teacher certification program (if applicable)

School Responsibilities

• Arrive at school by 8:00 a.m. and stay until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
• Attend designated school functions outside of school hours (Back to School Night, Report Card Conferences, Community Events, etc.) 
• Contribute to the planning and execution of all school-wide events
• Develop strong relationships with the families of students through home visits, participation in school events and phone calls home
• Perform necessary support duties including (but not limited to) bus, lunch, and dismissal duties
• Chaperone field lessons/field trips
• Additional responsibilities may arise during the school year. They will be communicated to all employees with as much notice and flexibility as possible.

Who You Are:

• You love and see the high potential of all children.
• You have experience driving student growth and achievement and to create 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 solutions-orientated and have an eagerness to adapt in order to solve problems.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of full-time teaching experience (outside of substitute teaching) in an urban setting strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Pennsylvania State certification Level I or II strongly preferred. If uncertified, must –
  • enroll in a PA-approved certification program within one year of hire.
  • submit transcripts upon hire (required for emergency permit application)
• 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 range for this position is commensurate upon experience and certification status:
  • Uncertified Range: $56,500 – 79,000+ 
  • Certified Range: $60,000 - $85,000+
• Teacher salaries at KPPS are equitable and transparent. To maintain equity, teacher salaries are determined by a combination of years of teaching experience and certification status. All candidates are welcome to ask their recruiter how their experience and credentials will translate to their salary.
• 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.
• Uncertified teachers have access to $5,000 in tuition reimbursement to pursue certification at a Pennsylvania-approved certification program.

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.