KIPP Foundation Hiring for Early Literacy Virtual Observer (TEMPORARY) at New York, NY Full Time

KIPP Public Schools is a national network of public charter schools that prepares students with the skills and confidence to create the future they want for themselves, their communities, and us all. We are a network of 270 schools, nearly 10,000 educators, and more than 160,000 students and alumni.

Our mission: 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.

Our vision: Every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities.

The KIPP Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports KIPP schools across the country. The KIPP Foundation trains and develops outstanding educators to lead KIPP public schools; provides tools, resources and training for excellent teaching and learning; promotes innovation; and facilitates the exchange of insights and ideas across KIPP and other public schools and organizations.

Job Description

About The Position

KIPP Foundation is currently seeking experienced Early Elementary educators to conduct a series of virtual classroom observations of instruction in Kindergarten, First and Second grade classrooms. The purpose of these classroom observations is to: a) gather evidence on the ways in which principles of structured language and literacy are evident in early literacy classroom instruction; b) provide feedback to educators; and c) build a virtual library of early literacy instruction. Video lessons from participating teachers will be submitted three times per year, and reviewed using the Foundational Skills Observation Tool. This position is fully remote and does not require in-person visits to any classrooms. This position is available starting September 2022 and will conclude by May 31, 2023.

Responsibilities

Early Literacy Virtual Observers will be responsible for conducting virtual reviews of early literacy instruction in grades K-2 classrooms using the Foundation Skills Observation Tool (FSOT). Specific responsibilities include:

Completing 5-10 hours of training on using the FSOT and the technology systems utilized in this project, beginning in September 2022, as well as up to 2 additional sessions for the observer team throughout the academic year. All training will be conducted virtually, both synchronously and asynchronously.

Conducting approximately 5-10 virtual observations in each of three observation rounds by reviewing videos of classroom instruction, beginning in September 2022 and continuing through early May 2023 (dates for specific observation rounds will vary across seven KIPP regions, and each round is separated by several weeks without any observations). Each virtual observation is anticipated to take approximately 2 hours, including providing written feedback. We anticipate that the Early Literacy Virtual Observer time commitment will be approximately 80 hours, total, as these three cycles take place between November and May.

Writing timely, comprehensive observation reports grounded in the foundational skills present on the FSOT, and submitting reports electronically within the designated feedback window.

Participating in all required introductory and ongoing training and one-on-one checkins as needed.

Skills, Experience, and Qualifications

Early Literacy Virtual Observers will demonstrate deep familiarity with Early Literacy instruction; demonstrate strong time management, organizational, and communication skills, both oral and written; and display a commitment to improving classroom instruction for all students. Ideal candidates will have:

A strong background in Early Literacy instruction, knowledge of the Science of Reading, and familiarity with foundational skills instruction, with a minimum of 2 years teaching experience in high-need schools

Ability to utilize required technology systems to access and review videos, and to upload written feedback reports in a standard format.

Experience providing teachers with written feedback on classroom instruction using a structured rubric.

Strong time management/organization skills and the ability to meet critical deadlines.

Ability to successfully work in a self-directed role.

Baseline proficiency with basic software tools (email, word processing, spreadsheets such as Google sheets, Zoom, Google Meet, etc.).

Strong, professional verbal and written communication skills.

Passion for education equity and KIPP’s mission and values (sense of purpose, results, respect, constant learning & humility, and diversity & inclusivity).

Cultural competence in collaborating with teammates across lines of difference

Additional Information

Work Conditions

This is a part-time, non-exempt role with flexible hours. It requires ability to utilize standard technology, including access to a personal computer and reliable internet service, and provide written feedback during pre-determined observation and feedback windows.

Location

This is a fully remote role. Early Literacy Virtual Observers may be located anywhere in the country, and will review videos of classroom instruction from KIPP Elementary Schools in Baltimore, Denver, Metro Atlanta, Nashville, New Orleans, Northern California, and Philadelphia. We anticipate hiring up to 10 Early Literacy Virtual Observers.

Compensation and Benefits

Early Literacy Virtual Observers will be paid at an hourly rate of $55 per hour for all training and completing virtual observations (video review time, writing reports, etc.).

KIPP Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and an organization that values diversity. People from all diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.