Key skills
JAX
About this role
Company Description
KIPP
KIPP Public Schools is a national network of tuition-free public schools educating nearly 190,000 students in grades Prek-12 across 21 states and Washington, DC. While each of our schools is as unique as the community to which it belongs, we are united around a shared promise: Together, A Future Without Limits. You can learn more at www.kipp.org.
WHY TEACH AT KIPP?
At KIPP, we see the gifts in everyone who walks through the doors of our schools - especially our teachers. Their skill. Energy, Love. Their determination. On the good days and on the hard days. So we support our teachers to make the most of those gifts
The KIPP Difference
Respect - For our teachers’ innate talent and desire to learn, for their professional growth, and for the lives they lead beyond our walls. We offer pay and benefits that reflect our appreciation for the invaluable role our teachers play in lighting paths to opportunity for students
Support - As our teachers progress through the day, the year, and their careers, we ensure they always feel the KIPP Team and Family at their backs, with opportunities to lead and support to grow
Purpose - Together, our students, schools, families and communities share an ambitious mission to create a future without limits. We need talented teachers to realize it. Shape the future for your students and yourself by joining us in our work.
KIPP Jacksonville Public Schools
KIPP Jacksonville Public Schools is part of the KIPP national network. Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose – college, career, and beyond – so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world.
In the 2026-2027 school year, the KIPP Jacksonville region will be comprised of four schools educating 3,000+ students, kindergarten through twelfth grade, in the North and West side of Jacksonville, Florida:
- KIPP Impact Academy: Kindergarten – 8th grade
- KIPP VOICE Academy: Kindergarten – 8th grade
- KIPP Bessie Coleman Academy: Kindergarten – 8th grade
- KIPP Bold City High School: 9th - 12th grade
For the current school year, teachers at KIPP Jacksonville Public Schools work the following hours Monday through Friday and may have occasional meetings or special school events outside of these hours. Hours for teachers and students may vary slightly by school.
K-8 Staff: 7:30am - 4:30pm K-8 Students: 8:00am - 3:30pm, Wednesday K-8 dismissal is at 1:30pm
High School Staff: 6:45am - 3:45pm, High School Students: 7:15am - 2:30pm, Wednesday High School dismissal is at 12:30pm.
Every Wednesday is a student early release day, which allows teachers to participate in weekly professional development and content team meetings. *This doesn’t include Wellness Wednesdays when all staff leave at student dismissal.
To support these schools, we will employ approximately almost 300 full-time staff members. We seek educators and colleagues that represent our core values of high expectations, growth mindset, commitment to team, trust, joy, and sustainability. To learn more about what it is like to work and teach at KIPP Jacksonville Public Schools, please visit www.kippjax.org/teach. To see all openings, visit our Regional Job Board.
Job Description
POSITION OVERVIEW
KIPP Jacksonville Public Schools seeks Lead Elementary teachers for our Kindergarten-4th grade classrooms in the 2026-2027 school year.
Teachers are assigned one grade level and are responsible for creating a positive classroom environment, implementing curriculum, assessing students, collaborating with their team, building relationships with families, and other duties as assigned. Full teacher responsibilities are ultimately outlined by their Principal.
OUR CURRENT MODEL
Kindergarten-2nd Grade: some lead teachers in our K-2 classrooms will work with a certified, novice teacher (fellow) in their classroom. In this co-teaching model, lead teachers share the responsibility and accountability of their classroom with the teaching fellow. Class size is approximately 26 students. The other classrooms in K-2 grades feature a single certified teacher and typically have a paraprofessional for part of the school day. All K-2 classrooms are self-contained and are responsible for at least English Language Arts and Math instruction.
3rd-4th Grade: all lead teachers are departmentalized. A single lead teacher in each classroom is responsible for teaching specific subjects (e.g. only math, only ELA). Class size is approximately 26 students. In this model, most teachers plan for one subject and teach lessons to multiple cohorts of students.
Please note that fifth grade is considered part of our middle school model and is part of a separate application.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Our current starting salary for a first-year lead teacher is $50,000
Access to individual health benefits (including medical, dental, and vision)***
Access to individual short-term and long-term disability insurance***
403(b) retirement program with a company match***
To support teacher practice and their growth, all lead teachers receive individualized coaching and professional development.
*The salary offered in the DocuSign doesn’t include any stipends for which the candidate may be eligible. In our current year of paying out millage stipends, certified New-to-KIPP instructional staff received a historical average of $11,000 with the addition of receiving TSIA stipends. There are other opportunities to earn money at KIPP Jax in the form of additional stipends. This role will only be eligible for instructional stipends if they have their FLDOE certification.
***This offering is subject to change each school year. Terms would be outlined in an offer letter, if issued.
Qualifications
REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor's Degree
Relevant Florida Teaching Certification or Eligibility for Certification in one of the following areas:
K-6 Elementary or PK-3 Elementary
At least one complete year of teaching experience with a proven track-record of high achievement in the classroom
KIPP Jacksonville Public Schools believes that our staff will represent our core values—high expectations, a growth mindset, commitment to team, trust, joy, and sustainability. We search for established educators who embody them.
Possesses a deep commitment to creating an inclusive, healthy, and empowering community for our students.
Passing a background check, as required by law
In accordance with Florida House Bill 531, this position requires a background screening through the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse. For more information regarding the screening process, education, and awareness, please visit the official website at: https://info.flclearinghouse.com
HIGHLY PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Florida Reading Endorsement (or reading competency coursework in progress) if teaching English Language Arts
ESOL Endorsement (or competency coursework in progress)
Two or more years of teaching experience with a proven track-record of high achievement in the classroom in a relevant grade level
CERTIFICATION
If applicants have questions about Florida certification, please visit www.fldoe.org/edcert. Applicants should list all details about their certification status in the application, including a Florida statement of eligibility or an out-of-state teaching certificate.
Additional Information
APPLY
To join the 2026–2027 candidate pool, please complete the online application and upload a resume via our job board. No applicants will be considered that submit resumes through other job postings. Link to job board here: https://careers.smartrecruiters.com/KIPP/jacksonville
When submitting your application, you may indicate any preferred school locations. If and when a position opens, candidates from the pool will be considered for interviews based on fit and qualifications.
If selected for an interview and extended an offer, your compensation, school placement, and other terms will be outlined in writing.
If you're a current KIPP Jax team member, you should:
1) Inform your current manager of your interest in the role and
2) Complete the online application
QUESTIONS
If you have questions about positions at KIPP Jacksonville, please email Malai Golston at mgolston@kippjax.org. Please understand that resumes and/or cover letters are not accepted via email and you will be redirected to apply via the website.
KIPP Jacksonville Public Schools is committed to a policy of equal treatment for all individuals applying for employment at our schools. KIPP Jacksonville does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation or national or ethnic origin.