KIPP Texas Public Schools is a network of 59 public charter, open-enrollment, pre-k-12 schools educating nearly 34,000 students across Austin, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Houston, and San Antonio. Together with families and communities, our mission is to 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.

Founded in Houston in 1994, and operating as KIPP Texas since 2018, our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism in our classrooms, in our offices, and in the communities we serve is unwavering. We are looking to hire a diverse team of dynamic, collaborative, and dedicated individuals with an unyielding belief that every child will succeed. Join our Team and Family and champion equity, chase excellence, persist with purpose, bring joy, and help us rise together.

KIPP Texas is part of the national KIPP network of 255 college-preparatory public charter schools in 20 states and the District of Columbia. Nationwide, KIPP students complete four-year college at a rate of 36 percent, comparable to the national average for all students and approximately three times higher than the average of students from low-income communities.

You can see all our job opportunities at https://kipptexas.org/join-our-team/.

The Opportunity

KIPP Texas – DFW’s College & Career Instructor works as part of the regional KIPP Forward Team at KIPP Pleasant Grove Leadership Academy. The College & Career Instructor is responsible for developing and teaching a college and career curriculum for high school juniors, which will support students in exploring and preparing for their post-secondary plan that helps them achieve their career of highest aspiration. In addition to teaching juniors, the Junior College & Career Instructor also works closely with the dean of academic progress, academic teachers, parents, students and the greater Dallas community to ensure our students are equipped with the knowledge, tools and skills they need to successfully matriculate to and thrive in their post-secondary education and beyond. Responsibilities associated with this position may shift, expand and grow based on the regional needs of the organization.

This position is ideal for applicants who have at least 2 years of experience teaching in a high school, have had college counseling experience and are passionate about increasing college access for traditionally underserved students through college counseling and advising.

Roles & Responsibilities

College and Career Access

• Teach junior seminar, a postsecondary and career readiness course focusing on self-exploration, college, CTE and career research, and test prep
• Internalize and upgrade junior seminar lesson plans and assessments
• Actively research, promote and support 11th graders in applying to summer enrichment opportunities
• Write Instructor recommendations for students applying to scholarships, summer enrichment programs and eventually college
• Plan and execute postsecondary and career readiness workshops and resources to educate students and parents about the process of gaining admission into colleges, CTE programs, affording college, and succeeding in postsecondary education to be a competitive candidate for their career of highest aspiration
• Manage and analyze student college and career data to revise lesson content and priorities
• Support 11th grade students in registering for standardized tests
• Collaborate with High School Leadership team to provide rigorous ACT prep and progress monitor ACT growth throughout junior year
• Establish and maintain relationships/partnerships with colleges and universities, outreach programs and scholarship organizations
• Coordinate Early College Start and TSI test prep programming
• Collaborate with the Director of College & Career Services to align on career integration efforts for students, and coordinate with college-age alumni for college exposure events
• Actively research all aspects of college placement: financial aid, CTE, scholarships, applications, and admissions standards
• Collaborate with Dean of Academic Progress and APs to provide college and career readiness resources and lessons for younger grade levels
• Meet weekly with the Director of KIPP Through College and lesson coach to discuss progress, submit reports, etc.
• Develop positive, appropriate relationships with fellow KIPP Texas – DFW staff members and teachers, viewing each other as teammates and professional colleagues
• Attend, and actively participate in, all staff meetings, etc.
• Responsibilities associated with this position may shift, expand and grow based on the regional needs of the organization

Education and Knowledge

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution
• At least 2 years prior experience teaching high school students (especially first-generation)
• Professional development course on college and career readiness and success, is essential
• Experience working with high school students (especially first-generation) and their families in the college counseling field, strongly preferred

Essential Skills

• Resilience, strong work ethic and outcomes orientated—demonstrated ability to balance competing priorities under stress and follow through, despite sometimes tight or back to back deadlines
• Previous experience in using data to drive decision making strongly
• Comfort with working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Strong interpersonal skills; Ability to work with a wide-range of people including teachers, parents, students, alumni, corporate partners, vendors and admissions personnel
• Ability to project plan, organize, and prioritize, with a collaborative spirit
• Fast learner with the ability to inquire and be open to feedback
• Proven written and verbal communication skills
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred, but not required

Compensation and Benefits

As a full-time KIPP Texas employee you are eligible to participate in all KIPP Texas’ benefit plans. KIPP Texas offers a robust variety of benefits choices with competitive rates, including medical, dental, and vision options, life insurance, and disability plans.

KIPP 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.