[2026-2027] Elementary School Music Teacher

KIPP • Philadelphia, PA

2h • $56,500 - $85,000 • Onsite

About The Position

KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools is hiring an Elementary School Music Teacher for the 2026–2027 school year. The posting describes the position’s responsibilities under a Special Education Teacher heading, including managing a caseload and providing direct support for students with special needs to support their intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth. The teacher collaborates with general education teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers.

The role includes planning and delivering rigorous, engaging lessons; maintaining an affirming, organized, safe, and focused classroom; using student work and academic data to guide instruction; providing accommodations and modifications; keeping accurate records; and communicating with families. The teacher also participates in professional development, coaching, grade-team collaboration, school events, family engagement, and student support duties. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some designated school functions outside school hours.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Complete required criminal and child abuse background checks before the start date: PA State Police Clearance, PA Child Abuse Clearance, and Cogent Federal Fingerprinting.
• If uncertified, enroll in a Pennsylvania-approved certification program within one year of hire.
• If uncertified, submit transcripts upon hire for the emergency permit application.
• Love and recognize the potential of all children and demonstrate experience driving student growth and achievement and creating a warm, inclusive, rigorous learning environment.
• Operate with cultural competence and a commitment to inclusion, anti-racism, and the eradication of anti-Blackness.
• Demonstrate high expectations and the ability to motivate, inspire, and hold others accountable.
• Be solutions-oriented and eager to adapt to solve problems.

Nice To Haves

• Two or more years of full-time teaching experience, excluding substitute teaching, in an urban setting is strongly preferred.
• Pennsylvania State certification Level I or II is strongly preferred.
• Passion for facilitating professional learning and a desire to continuously grow and learn as a leader.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload and provide direct support for students with special needs to promote intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth.
• Collaborate on case management with general education teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers.
• Ensure children feel affirmed, valued, and challenged each day.
• Create rigorous, engaging unit and daily lesson plans using provided curricula and resources in most cases.
• Infuse core values into lessons and school practices, and implement school-wide student culture systems and positive classroom management strategies.
• Maintain a productive, organized, safe, neat, and focused learning environment.
• Analyze student work and academic data regularly to adjust lessons, refine curricula, and inform instructional practices.
• Provide accommodations and modifications to support student growth and success.
• Maintain accurate student grades and records and communicate with families about student growth and progress.
• Model and implement school policies in the classroom and serve as a role model for students.
• Develop teaching practice through instructional coaching, feedback, active practice, and professional development.
• Contribute to grade-team collaboration and grade-wide initiatives; share candid, solutions-oriented feedback with peers and leadership.
• Embody KPPS core values: Children First, Cultural Competence, Ownership, and Community.
• Enroll in or complete a teacher certification program if applicable.
• Work at school from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and attend designated events outside school hours.
• Help plan and execute school-wide events; build relationships with families through home visits, school events, and phone calls.
• Perform support duties such as bus, lunch, and dismissal duty, and chaperone field lessons and field trips.
• Take on additional responsibilities communicated during the school year.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health benefits for employees and families, including vision and dental coverage, telehealth, and flexible spending accounts.
• 403B matching program for retirement savings.
• Free access to financial advising services.
• Uncertified teachers may receive up to $5,000 in tuition reimbursement for certification at a Pennsylvania-approved program.
• Performance-based bonuses.
• Professional development, coaching, workshops, and leadership opportunities.
• Mental health resources and wellness initiatives.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level