SY 26/27 Middle School Principal Fellow

Job Description

Job Description

Company Description

About KIPP Kansas City Public Schools:

KIPP Kansas City Public Schools is part of a nationwide network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory charter schools dedicated to preparing students in educationally underserved communities for success in college and life. Our strength as a region serves as a catalyst for empowerment, change, and hope.

Founded in 2007, KIPP Kansas City Public Schools began with KIPP Endeavor Academy, serving approximately 31 fifth-grade students. Today, we educate approximately 1,000 students from Pre-K through 12th grade, with our community continuing to expand. Together with families and communities, we strive to create joyful, academically excellent schools that equip students with the skills and confidence to pursue their chosen paths—whether college, career, or beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and contribute to a more just world.

Job Description

Position Overview:

The Principal Fellow is a pivotal leadership position designed for high-potential assistant principals preparing to transition into the role of principal/school leader The role of the Fellow will focus on academic excellence, character development, and a positive school culture. . This position functions as an intensive residency, requiring the Fellow to shadow a mentor principal while taking on significant leadership responsibilities to ensure a school’s operational and academic success.

Under the guidance of a Mentor Principal and District Leadership, the Fellow will develop the competencies required to lead a high-performing K-12 school, focusing on instructional leadership, school culture, and organizational management. This Principal Fellow will collaborate with the principal/school leader,  Instructional Coach, Dean of Culture, ISS Coordinator, and teachers.

Key Responsibilities:

Instructional Leadership:

• Support the implementation of a rigorous curriculum, actively mobilizing teachers to achieve the school's collective goals aligned with the Principal's vision.
• Conduct formal and informal observations; provide high-leverage feedback using district-approved rubrics.
• Collaborate with the Principal on key initiatives, including hiring diverse, highly-effective teachers.
• Ensure rigorous, standards-aligned instruction is delivered across all grade levels.

Teacher Leadership & Development:

• Mentor and support teachers in your assigned grade levels, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
• Facilitate professional development opportunities to enhance teacher skills and knowledge.
• Partner with Instructional Coaches to lead the planning and goal setting for your assigned grade levels, ensuring alignment with school-wide goals.
• Supports the Principal in identifying and developing emerging leaders (DepartmentHeads and/or Grade Level Chairs)

School Culture and Operations

• Partner with the principal/school leader to create a safe, inclusive, and positive learning environment for all students.
• Assist in developing and implementing school-wide behavior management plans and routines.
• Serve as the first point of contact for school leadership regarding student interventions and parent engagement within assigned grade levels.
• Oversee the daily operations within your assigned grade levels, ensuring smooth functioning of classrooms, lunch periods, and student transitions.
• Manage and support assigned faculty and staff within your grade levels, addressing any concerns and ensuring they have the resources needed to be successful.

Data Analysis & Decision-Making:

• Analyze student data to identify areas of strength and opportunity within your assigned grade levels.
• Collaborate with the Principal and other school leaders to develop data-driven instructional strategies and interventions.
• Monitor the progress of students and track the effectiveness of implemented programs.
• Contribute to the development and monitoring of annual school goals and data-driven action plans.

Communication & Collaboration:

• Communicate effectively with parents, students, and teachers regarding academic progress, school policies, and upcoming events.
• Collaborate with the Principal, Assistant Principals, Assistant Principal of Culture, and other school leaders to achieve the school's overall goals.
• Represent the school at meetings and events as needed.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership or currently enrolled in a recognized Principal Prep program.
• Minimum of 4–6 years of exemplary K-12 teaching experience; including at least 2 years of leadership or teacher-leader experience (e.g., Grade Level Lead, Instructional Coach, Content Lead).
• Possession of  a State Building-Level Administrator License
• Proven track record of instructional leadership and improving student learning outcomes.

Skills and Competencies: 

• Commitment:  Upholds KIPP Kansas City’s mission and values, including a deep belief in the potential of all students.
• Leadership: Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop educators.
• Initiative: Exemplifies proactive problem solving and willingness to move from “me to we.”
• Growth Mindset: Able to receive and handle feedback while assisting with setting the school’s professional culture.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills exemplified among the school leadership team and school staff conveying clear, concise, and timely information among all stakeholders.
• Collaboration: Ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders beyond the school staff such as regional and CSuite teams.
• Data Analysis: Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and implement strategic interventions based on findings.

Additional Information

Physical Requirements: 

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. 

• The person in this position needs to be able to move about inside and outside the school or office throughout the workday.

• The candidate is expected to attend conferences, meetings and training sessions both virtually and in person within the Region. 

Work Environment

• Reports to work Monday-Friday.

• Typical school or office environment with frequent interruptions.

Travel Requirements:

• Ability to travel to work location. 

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary is based on years of experience, educational background, and level of expertise.

As a full-time KIPP Kansas City employee, you are eligible to participate in all KIPP Kansas City benefit plans. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits with competitive rates, including medical, dental, and vision options, as well as life insurance, fertility, and disability plans.

KIPP Kansas City is committed to the professional growth and development of our staff. We provide numerous opportunities for advancement, ongoing professional development, and leadership training to help you achieve your career goals.

KIPP Kansas City provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

Selection Process:

Our application process is grounded in equity and fairness, ensuring a just and unbiased selection process. Below is our standard selection process for regional roles:

Selection Process 

Application Submission + Resume Review 

Phone or Video Interview 

If Applicable (Sample work or Performance Task) 

Committee Interview(s) 

1:1 Chat w/Hiring Manager 

Reference Check 

Offer Terms