Overview of Application and Interview Process for Instructional Positions
KIPP Philadelphia’s teacher application process is designed to help us learn as much information as possible about you as a teacher, while allowing you to gain insight into our region’s values and approach to providing a college preparatory education for all of our students.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until a position is filled. You can expect the entire application and interview process to last approximately four to six weeks. In some cases the process may take longer, however if this occurs, we will be in touch frequently via email regarding the status of your application. In the event your timeline for finding a position is shorter than four weeks, please let us know at the interview stage and we will do our best to work with your timeline.
What we look for in teaching candidates
If you:
- Have a commitment to seeing long-term, transformative outcomes for your students in college and beyond.
- Use data to set ambitious academic goals with your students and focus on their results
- Infuse opportunities to teach character in your lessons and other moments throughout the day
- Bring joy and zest to your teaching and learning every day
- Strive to continuously improve as a teacher and are open to frequent observations, feedback and coaching
- Believe in creating innovative lessons that focus on the needs of your students
- Thrive working side-by-side with a team of like-minded individuals
Then you are who we are looking to join our team and hope you will apply today.
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Application Process for Teaching Positions
All applications are accepted through an online system. We are not able to accept resumes or other documentation via email, fax or mail. Submitting one teaching application will, if you choose, make you eligible for opportunities throughout the entire KIPP Philadelphia region. You do NOT need to submit multiple applications in order to be considered for multiple teaching positions.
The application itself consists of three steps:
- Registration. This involves inputting your basic personal information in the requested fields. After registering, you will be able to return to your application using your unique log-in information. Be sure to save your username and password as they are unique to your application and will be needed each time you login to edit or view your application.
- Resume Upload. This involves uploading a Microsoft Word or PDF version of your resume. After you submit a resume, you will be able to login to the system to update it at any point before submitting your final application. You will also have the opportunity to upload a cover letter detailing your specific interest in KIPP Philadelphia if you wish.
- Application Questions. This portion of the application is a two step process. The first step occurs after you upload your resume. You will be asked to answer basic questions about your background. After submitting these responses, you will receive an email directing you to a link where you will complete step 2. This step includes more specific questions about your background, experiences, and student achievement results over time. You may also be required to answer additional questions specifically related to the position in which you are applying. Please Note: Past applicants report the second section takes approximately 1-2 hours to complete. You will have the opportunity to save your application prior to submitting, should you need to return to it later, but the application must be completed within one week of receiving the email.
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Tips for Submitting your Application
If you are having trouble submitting your application, please try the troubleshooting tips outlined below.
- Use Firefox as your browser. We’ve gotten feedback from other applicants that our system tends to function better when using Firefox as their browser. To download Firefox, click here: www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/new/
- Answer ALL questions thoroughly. If a question does not apply to you, be sure to type or select or “Opt Out”.
- Compose your essays in advance. We recommend you scroll to the bottom of the application and look at the short answer questions before you begin completing the application, then set aside time to compose your responses. We recommend you write them in a Word document and then cut and paste them directly into the application after you finish. Proofread and use spell check! Spelling and grammar usage is taken into consideration when reviewing essay responses.
- Look for a confirmation message. If you click submit and you are returned to your application, scroll to the top to review errors in your application. For submitting step 1, look right under the ‘Log Out’ link for the error messages in your application. The text is written in black, so it can be easy to miss. Example error message: “Degree Type 1 is required.” You will know your application has submitted successfully when, after hitting “submit” you see a confirmation message thanking you for completing step one of your application.
If, after trying the steps listed below, you continue to have trouble with your application, email work@kippphiladelphia.org and include a detailed description of your issue (no phone calls please). Screen shots are always helpful!
Application Feedback. Please note that we are very fortunate to receive a large number of applications. We highly encourage you to complete your application with a high level of thoughtfulness, detail, and excellence. Due to the high volume and our internal policy, we are unable to provide individual feedback.
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Interview Process for Teaching Positions
Within two weeks of submitting your application, the KPS Talent Team will review it and notify you of your status. Should you move forward, the stages in the interview process will consist of the following:
- Phone Interview. This initial interview will be with a member of the KPS Talent Team. During this time, we will further discuss your application responses, interest in KIPP Philadelphia and how your past experiences are a fit with the school(s) and position(s) to which you applied. Phone Interview Tip: Do your research! Prior to the phone interview, review our website, check out our Facebook page, read about KIPP in the media, etc.
- Video Lesson Submission. If our initial conversation indicates you may be a good fit at KIPP, you will be invited to record and submit a minimum 30 minute video of you teaching a lesson to your students. Seeing you in action with your own students, in the classroom environment you created, provides the most authentic opportunity to highlight your strengths as a teacher. Please Note: If you are not currently in the classroom or unable to provide a video, we will work with you to schedule an alternate demonstration lesson at one of our schools.
- School-Based Interview. The School Leader(s) will review your video and determine whether to invite you to an in-person final interview at their school. A typical school-based interview occurs during the school day and includes a debrief of the video lesson, an interview with the school leader, a tour of the school and classroom observations. The day may also include interviews with other members of the school leadership or instructional teams. The school-based interview typically last 3 hours. Note: If you are considered a good fit for positions across multiple campuses, you will be invited to complete a school-based interview at each school considering you for a position.
- Reference Check. The final stage in the interview process is contacting the references you provided. W e will notify you prior to contacting your references.
Note regarding the Interview Process: The interview process outlined above represents the typical interview process for candidates. The process may vary from candidate to candidate based on many factors, including school leader preference, candidate background and experience, and type of position. Other stages may include a phone interview with a principal and teaching a demonstration lesson.
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Application & Interview Process for Non-instructional Positions
All other positions are also posted in the “Career Openings” section of our website and require the submittal of an online application. Applications are reviewed and candidates who are invited to move forward can expect to complete a phone interview, demonstration or performance task related to the position, and a final interview with the hiring manager and other members of the KPS staff. The specific interview process will be explained in detail to candidates at the end of the phone interview.
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KIPP Philadelphia Schools is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to hiring a diverse staff and provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and job applicants. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, physical or mental disability, creed, expunged arrest records, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or any other classification protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
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