Primary Teaching Fellow (SY 2026-27)

Job Summary

The Primary Teaching Fellow (SY 2026-27) role is an integral part of the KIPP DC Public Schools' teaching pipeline. This one-year role is designed to provide high-impact instructional support and classroom management while gaining the professional mentorship and hands-on experience necessary for a successful teaching career. The starting salary range for this role is $48,000. This is a full-time, fully on-site role based in one of our Early Childhood or Elementary Schools with an anticipated start date of Summer 2026.

About KIPP DC

For 25 years, KIPP DC has partnered with students, families, and the community to create joyful, academically excellent schools across the nation’s capital. Today, our network of 22 schools educate more than 7,500 students in grades PreK3-12, supported by 1,500 dedicated teachers, leaders, and staff.

Our work is grounded in five pillars–Academic Excellence, Joy & Sense of Belonging, Highly Effective Teachers and Leaders, Safe, Structured, and Nurturing Learning Environments, and Commitment to College Readiness–which ensure every student is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue success in college, careers, and beyond. Our schools combine high expectations with joyful, affirming environments that nurture academic success and personal growth for students and staff alike.

As part of the national KIPP network, we share best practices and innovations while maintaining deep roots in Washington, D.C. Together, we strive toward a future without limits for our students, alumni, and community.

About the Role

The Teaching Fellow position is a one-year role that supports classroom instruction by assisting the lead teacher with instruction, classroom management, and differentiation for students. As new educators, Teaching Fellows are supported by the lead teacher in the classroom and a leader at their school to develop their teaching skills. This role requires a level of flexibility, as Teaching Fellows may be asked to hop in to support with coverage, teach in additional classrooms, and other duties as needed.

This position is for the 2026-27 school year. At the end of the school year, Teaching Fellows may interview for or be offered the role of Capital Teaching Resident, Lead Teacher, or another role at their school or another KIPP DC school for the following school year. As the Teaching Fellow role is a one year role, a position for the following school year is not guaranteed.

This role is an exempt position and will report to the principal of the Teaching Fellow's assigned school.

Location and Type of Work

Location: We have six early childhood schools and six elementary schools in DC looking for excellent teachers to join their team.

Work Hours: While students receive instruction from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm, KIPP DC teachers are on duty in school Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm two times a week, and 7:30 am to 4:00 pm three times a week.

Additional responsibilities may arise during the school year. This could include but not limited to: attending staff and student field trips, open houses, family-teacher conferences and other events involving parents and students as needed. We will communicate them to all employees with as much notice and flexibility as possible.

Responsibilities

The percentages for each key responsibility are estimates, and other duties may be assigned. Flexibility and responsiveness are encouraged to accommodate organizational needs.

Key Responsibility #1: Instructional Delivery & Student Support (30% of time)

• Assist the lead teacher with instruction, classroom culture, and administrative duties
• Internalize and teach clear and concise developmentally-appropriate content to support student learning in small and whole groups
• Track, analyze, and use data to drive teaching and instruction

Key Responsibility #2: Classroom Culture & Relationship Building (30% of time)

• Build trusting relationships with scholars, families, and colleagues
• Implement school-wide student culture policies within classrooms and everywhere on campus
• Conduct purposeful observations of excellent lead teachers

Key Responsibility #3: School-Wide Support (30% of time)

• Support additional classrooms beyond your own when needed, including covering classes or supporting in other classrooms when needed
• Take on additional responsibilities throughout the school as needed

Key Responsibility #4: Professional Development (10% of time)

• Participate in regular meetings with teachers and leaders, grade level meetings, and network wide professional development

Requirements & Preferences

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution by June 2026, all majors accepted
• Previous experience working with children
• A belief that all students have the right to a high quality education where educators play an integral role in providing support so that all students can succeed

Preferred Qualifications

• Ideal candidates have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel across KIPP DC schools and throughout Washington, DC.
• Occasional flexibility to work outside normal business hours or weekends for KIPP DC events.

Demonstrated Excellence in the Following Areas:

• Commitment to Students and Schools: Demonstrates commitment to education reform, believing in every child's potential for success and prioritizing students, schools, and the essential role of families.
• Commitment to Equity: Advances KIPP DC’s commitment to anti-racism by creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all stakeholders.
• Continuous Learning: Commits to continuous learning through feedback, self reflection, humility, and action.
• Collaboration: Establishes and nurtures effective relationships with a diverse set of stakeholders to support the best outcomes for our work.
• Perseverance: Persists in the face of challenges, obstacles, and setbacks. Maintains focus and motivation over time, even when progress seems slow or difficult.
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Shows initiative in generating ideas and solutions; solves problems and achieves results beyond what is expected.
• Organization: Sets a high bar for own work, has excellent time management skills and is dedicated to getting the job done.

Compensation and Benefits:
Teaching Fellows will receive a salary of $48,000 during their Teaching Fellow year

• When it comes to compensation, at KIPP DC, we strive for clarity, equity, and to be highly competitive. Following the teaching fellowship year, Teaching Fellows may interview for or be asked to become Capital Teaching Residents ($52,000), Lead Teachers (starting at $65,500), or another role at their school or another KIPP DC school. As the Teaching Fellow role is a one year role, a position for the following school year is not guaranteed.
• KIPP DC offers a robust benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurances; various voluntary benefits; and employer paid benefits such as short term disability, long term disability, life insurance, and a membership to One Medical.
• KIPP DC also offers a 403(b) retirement account with a 3% employer contribution and a 3% match with vesting after three years.
• Currently, individuals in this role have up to 10 paid sick days, 12 paid holidays, paid Thanksgiving week break, winter break, spring break, and summer break. This is subject to change and your exact schedule will be shared in your offer letter.
• All employees who use public transit through WMATA are eligible for pre-tax deductions for transportation costs.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

KIPP DC Public Schools does not discriminate against, or tolerate discrimination against, employees or applicants for employment on any legally-recognized basis or protected class including, but not limited to, actual or perceived race, color, national origin, immigration status (except as necessary to comply with federal, DC, state, or local law), religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity or expression), marital status (including domestic partnership status), genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, family responsibilities, personal appearance, veteran status, uniform service member status, status of being unemployed, status of victim a survivor of domestic violence, sexual offense or stalking, matriculation or any other protected class under federal, state, DC, or local law.

Click here or here to review KIPP DC’s non-discrimination policy and KIPP DC’s Title IX Coordinator’s contact information.

Please Note: If you encounter difficulties submitting your application or fail to receive a confirmation email after applying, kindly reach out to Danica Cunningham at danica.cunningham@kippdc.org. Please include your name, resume, and specify the role you are applying for in your email. We appreciate your understanding and apologize for any inconvenience caused.