Assistant Principal - KIPP Kansas City

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.

Position Overview:

The Assistant Principal is a pivotal leadership position at KIPP Kansas City,  focused on academic excellence, character development, and a positive school culture. The Assistant Principal oversees both instructional and cultural aspects of the school, ensuring high academic standards and a safe, joyful learning environment. This role will collaborate with a team of Assistant Principals (potentially 2-4 depending on school size) and student support staff to provide instructional leadership, culture and climate, manage curriculum implementation, and oversee daily operations within their assigned grade levels.

The ideal candidate possesses instructional and coaching experience with a proven track record of achieving outstanding academic results, as well as a strong background in building relationships with students, families, and staff.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Vision

  • Model and support the implementation of the school’s vision and goals.

  • Support the development of the Principal’s school-wide vision and actively invest and mobilize teachers to achieve the collective goals of the school.

  • Own the implementation of select school priorities in support of the school-wide vision.

  • With guidance from the Principal, lead the planning and goal setting for the grades/departments coached and ensure alignment with school-wide vision and goals.

  • Monitor progress towards goals utilizing campus and regional enabling systems.

• Instructional Leadership

  • Build instructional knowledge of standards, content, and instructional methods for self and direct reports.

  • Develop mastery of the academic standards in the subjects/grades coached, and a strong understanding of academic standards for all subjects/grades.

  • Drive partnership with the student support team to ensure all students, including those with exceptionalities, have the access and support needed to achieve mastery.

  • Support the coordination and implementation of school-wide assessments.

  • Support and monitor strong Data Driven Instructional practices and structures to progress monitor achievement towards campus and regional goals.

  • Teach teachers how to assess for both student mastery and growth towards college readiness and insist that assessments are used to inform teacher instruction.

  • Develop own and teachers' knowledge of best practices in instructional methods and teach teachers how to match particular strategies to students’ needs.

  • Provide high-quality instructional coaching with frequent and scheduled teacher observations, actionable and bite-sized feedback, and accountability for adjustment in practice.

  • Lead or coach others who lead department/content/grade-level meetings that focus on planning for and norming on instruction and culture, practicing instructional strategies, and progress monitoring the department/content/grade level.

• School Culture Leadership

  • Set and enforce standards for school culture, including behavior, performance, and attendance.

  • Oversee disciplinary actions and foster a school climate that supports the school’s mission statement; promotes respect and appreciation for all students, staff, and parents.

  • Monitor progress of self, school, and staff on dashboards and Individual Development Plans as it relates to school culture.

  • Build effective relationships among teachers, parents, and the community to improve school culture.

  • Develop a vision for supervising, managing, and implementing a discipline program based on data and programs with proven results.

  • Manage, evaluate, and develop a team of teachers focusing on issues related to discipline, class management, behavior, and school culture.

  • Provide professional development opportunities for all staff around culture, including 1:1 intervention.

  • Consistently provide feedback to teachers around performance and meet with them as needed to discuss their progress around issues of school culture.

  • Create and maintain the Student/Parent Handbook.

  • Manage the Behavior Specialists to implement all procedures, policies, and practices with fidelity.

  • Be a physical presence during transitions, lunch, and times when students are not in class.

  • Serve as the school’s spokesperson around culture and discipline.

• Operational Support

  • Implement provided technology systems in partnership with the IT vendor.

  • Assist in making alternate schedules as needed for testing, assemblies, guest speakers, etc.

  • Coordinate major assessment testing logistics in partnership with the SDSO.

  • Support in assigned duties for key daily procedures such as arrival, dismissal, lunch, etc.

  • Maintain up-to-date student rosters and communicate directly with the Data Manager and Ops about changes needed.

  • Ensure accurate attendance tracking and follow up with teachers on attendance issues.

  • Ensure field trips are conducted in accordance with KIPP's policies/templates.

• Collaboration and Communication

  • Work with teachers, support staff, and families to run effective student-of-concern processes and referral processes.

  • Refer students to health services, counseling, or psychological services when necessary.

  • Collaborate with grade-level chairs in planning and implementing grade-level town halls, celebrations, and traditions.

  • Work with community partners on special projects such as dental visits, eye screenings, etc.

  • Lead the Parent Teacher Organization for the school building.

• Data Analysis and Reporting:

  • Collect and analyze data related to school climate, student behavior, and SEL implementation.

  • Generate reports for the principal, school, and regional leadership team on the effectiveness of climate and culture initiatives.

  • Utilize data to identify areas for improvement and inform future strategies.

• Professional Development:

  • Collaborate with the principal and staff to identify professional development needs related to positive classroom environments, SEL strategies, and positive behavior support.

  • Assist in planning and coordinating professional development opportunities to equip staff with the skills and knowledge to foster a positive school environment.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Education, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field preferred.

• Minimum of 3-4 years of experience in educational leadership, counseling, or a related field with a focus on school climate and culture.

• Proven track record of implementing successful programs that have improved academic performance and school culture.

Skills and Competencies: 

• Commitment to KIPP Kansas City’s mission and values, including a deep belief in the potential of all students.

• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop educators.

• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and implement strategic interventions based on findings.

• Flexibility and willingness to actively participate in the school community, including teaching classes, tutoring students, chaperoning overnight school trips, and working with parents and families.

• Outstanding organizational skills and high attention to detail; outstanding written and oral communication skills.

• Ability to manage the ambiguity and multiple priorities inherent in an entrepreneurial environment.

• Proactive problem solver who demonstrates initiative and teamwork.

• Strong work ethic coupled with an enthusiastic and passionate approach to one’s work.

Skills and Competencies: 

• Commitment to KIPP KC’s mission and values

• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse environment

• Strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities in urban education and community dynamics.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, capable of effectively engaging with diverse community groups.

• Proven ability to develop, collaborate and maintain relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders.

• Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to drive initiatives with minimal supervision.

• Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

• Fosters an inclusive environment for students, staff, and families

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 starts at $72,000 and 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.