Lead a KIPP school: Selection process

KIPP School Leadership Program

Thank you for your interest in joining the KIPP movement as a founding school leader. The KIPP School Leadership Program looks for exceptional teachers and school leaders who have achieved dramatic results with their students and who want to build a school of excellence from the ground up. We seek individuals from all backgrounds who believe in KIPP's mission and who have the potential to excel as school leaders within our network.

Selection Requirements

Education/Certification

Bachelor’s Degree (required); Master’s Degree (preferred)

Experience

This year’s Fisher Fellow class averages 5 years in teaching experience and the Miles Family Fellows average 4 years. The selection committee will always consider strong candidates with at least two years of teaching experience.

Special Knowledge/Skills

Ability to effectively manage instructional and non-instructional personnel
Ability to evaluate instructional programs and teaching effectiveness
Excellent communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills
Ability to implement effective business systems that ensure proper stewardship of school funds
Ability to exercise excellent judgment in decision-making
Knowledge in the selection, training, and supervision of personnel
Knowledge of the laws, rules, procedures, and programs specifically related to the operation of charter schools

Competencies

Adaptable: Manages uncertainty; demonstrates resilience, resolve, and flexibility in face of change
Communication: Speaks articulately; writes effectively; inspires through communication
Critical thinker and decision-maker: Analyzes information and organizes thinking to solve problems and make decisions that are aligned with an extraordinary goal. Can think on the fly and clarify when information is unclear
Culturally competent: Has respect for and knowledge of the community the school serves and interacts effectively with all stakeholders
Inspirational leadership: Demonstrates integrity, KIPP values, vision for/experience with preparing students for college; willingness to challenge tradition
Instructional leadership: Strong teacher, with history of results; able to analyze instruction and help others improve their instruction
Organizational and people leadership: Understands what makes schools succeed or fail; able to build strong classroom culture, drive classroom change, build strong relationships, and influence/lead others
People-oriented: Gives and gains respect; shows empathy; works effectively on a team and in professional and social situations
Personal organization: Prioritizes and multi-tasks effectively; is punctual, prepared, detail-oriented
Self-aware: Aware of own strengths and weaknesses; works relentlessly to improve upon weaknesses; open to feedback; accepts responsibility for failures; demonstrates balance in confidence vs. humility; and behaves professionally
Student-focused: Works effectively with, builds strong relationships with, and prioritizes the needs of educationally disadvantaged students

Key Dates

	Deadline for Submission of Online Application	Selection Event in Houston, Texas	Notify KIPP Foundation of Offer Acceptance
Priority Round:	October 31, 2008	December 10-12, 2008	January 2, 2009
Final Round:	February 20, 2009	March 25-28, 2009	April 10, 2009

Selection Process Details

Step 1:	Submit online application	In addition to basic information, the online application includes the submission of a resume, a summary of student achievement results, the names and contact information of three references, and one essay. Priority Round Deadline: October 31, 2008 Final Round Deadline: February 20, 2009
Step 2:	Phone interview	You will hear from the KIPP Foundation within two weeks of your application submission regarding whether or not you’ve been extended the opportunity to interview.
Step 3:	Submit video- taped lesson and three letters of recommendation	You will hear from the KIPP Foundation within one week of your phone interview if you will be asked to submit a video-taped lesson and three letters of recommendation. In most cases, you will have at least two weeks to complete this step. Note: The KIPP Foundation will call the references you previously provided as part of this step.
Step 4:	Regional visit	You will hear from the KIPP Foundation within one week of your video and letter submission regarding the Regional Visit step. At this step, you will be interviewed by senior staff members in the region(s) to which you have applied. If you do not live in the region(s) to which you have applied, the KIPP Foundation will cover the cost of travel and accommodations for a regional visit.
Step 5:	Selection event	Selection events are two-day interview events held in Houston, TX. You will hear from the KIPP Foundation regarding whether or not you have received an invitation to the selection event at least one week before the event. The KIPP Foundation covers the cost of travel and accommodations during the event. Priority Round Selection Event: December 10-12 Final Round Selection Event: March 25-28
Step 6:	Offers extended	Should you receive an offer to join the KIPP School Leadership Program as a fellow, you will be notified by phone within one week of the selection event. Following this phone call, the KIPP Foundation will send you a contract via mail.
Step 7:	Offers accepted or deferred	You will be required to notify the KIPP Foundation of your acceptance of the offer. Notification Deadline for Priority Round: January 2, 2009 Notification Deadline for Final Round: April 10, 2009

If you have questions about the KIPP School Leadership Program or the admissions process, please contact KIPP Recruitment & Selection at apply@kipp.org.

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