SY 26/27 Junior/Senior Seminar Teacher

Position Overview:

The Junior/Senior Seminar teacher  will support students in the drive towards academic and culture-related goals in pursuit of supporting KIPP KC in meeting charter and One KIPP goals. This teacher is also responsible for communicating and tracking the knowledge  and skills that  lead  to post secondary success.

Key Responsibilities:

• Instructional Delivery and Assessment

• Develop or internalize year-long Missouri State standards-based (or other curriculum-based), backwards-planned unit plans and lesson plans that meet all students’ learning needs

• Use assessment data to modify short and long-term plans in order to promote all students’ academic performance

• Embrace and incorporate feedback in the spirit of constant improvement

• Maintain accurate records, grade book, and data tracking systems

Academic and Cultural Support

• Assume personal responsibility for student achievement

• Collaborate with content and grade-level teams to promote an environment of critical thinking and academic rigor

• Establish and maintain working relationships with students and families based on trust and respect

• Participate in the daily functions of the school such as morning, lunch, and afternoon supervisory duties

• Attend critical school events such as staff meetings, open houses, and student-led parent conferences

• Meet professional obligations including timeliness and consistency in meeting deadlines

School Culture & Engagement

• Foster a positive school culture that supports student learning and staff development.

• Engage families and community members in the education process, enhancing the school's impact on students and the community.

• College-Going Environment: Maintain a rigorous, connection-based environment that mirrors the expectations of higher education.

• Behavioral Systems: Leverage school-wide systems to develop a positive learning culture and address breaches to culture through restorative practices and clear expectations.

Strategic Planning & Instruction

• Collaborate with the Director of College Counseling  and other key stakeholders to set clear goals for school performance and student achievement.

• Monitor and report on school performance, implementing strategies for improvement and growth.

• Foster a supportive and inclusive culture within the classroom

• Provide small-group career and postsecondary counseling in pull-out within classroom setting or other structures to explore career options based on an interest and aptitude assessment; complete individualized in-depth career plans; set up career-exposure learning opportunities, where possible

• Maintain accurate student grades/records and strong lines of communication with students and families regularly regarding students’ growth and progress

• Attend IEP exit meetings for all seniors, providing insight into each student’s transition plan and postsecondary goals

• Where available, participate in grade-level meetings and instructional professional development with other 12th grade faculty and staff

Real World Learning Integration

• Ensure the effective operation of the high school, including resource allocation, staff management, and compliance with all state and federal regulations.

• Support the school’s "Future-Ready" vision by embedding MVAs into the core curriculum across all pathways (Work Experiences, Dual Credit, IRCs, and Entrepreneurial Experiences, Capstone Projects).

• Ensure RWL data is accurately tracked and reported for the One KIPP standards of the Missouri School Improvement Plan.

• Teach DESE required financial literacy course and other required KIPP One curriculum

• Ensure the effective operation of the high school, including RWL field experiences and college tours

College and Career Access Knowledge/Skills

• Teach and guide all 11th and 12th grade students on the postsecondary admissions process (wish list, application, personal statements, letters of recommendations, transcript submission, financial aid, matriculation, etc.) through classroom instruction and regular one-on-one counseling sessions, focusing on strong and strategic postsecondary institutional match and plans

• Assist students in planning and implementing their “passion and purpose” college and career plans through their senior year, with postsecondary education as a critical input

• Support the postsecondary team with family engagement workshops focused on college and CTE program admissions, financial aid, career preparation, etc.

• Keep students and families apprised of institution and program admissions requirements and monitor eligibility

• Keep students and families informed of deadlines and resources to support them with the completion of key application, financial aid, and scholarship processes

• Assist families with completion of FAFSA and other financial aid applications

• Create access to college and career resources and opportunities available to support historically underrepresented populations

• In partnership with the high school team, support SAT/ACT and all standardized test  registration, completion, score-reporting, and improving student testing outcomes 

• Participate in Match Matters Monthly Meetings as directed by Director of College and Career Counseling 

• Help to implement KIPP Forward special programming including back-to-school nights, college workshops, fairs and visits, financial aid nights, career-exploration activities, wish list approval nights, college and career-focused staff professional development, etc.