Job Description
Organizational Overview KIPP Atlanta Schools is part of the KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) national network of free, open enrollment, college-preparatory schools dedicated to ensuring that every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities. There are 280 KIPP schools in 21 states and the District of Columbia serving more than 175,000 scholars and alumni. KIPP Atlanta currently operates 11 schools including five primary schools, six middle schools and one high school, as well as KIPP Forward which supports scholars on their journey to a choice-filled life. We are a social justice organization and our vision and mission require the work of dedicated, bold and skilled leaders, educators, and support staff who are committed to serving as the catalyst for joyful, academically excellent schools and the foundation for building a more just and equitable world for our scholars. What We Value Good Decision-Making: “I make thoughtful decisions in alignment with my school’s and organization’s values.” Peer Accountability: “I hold all Big KIPPsters accountable to our schools’ and organization’s values, standards, and expectations.” Excellence Always: “I do all aspects of my work with excellence - the big and the little things, the parts being monitored as well as those not monitored.” Communication is Key: “I communicate with both honesty and love. How I communicate nurtures courage, belonging, partnership, and progress toward our promise to KIPPsters and families.” Scholars Over Everything: “I put our scholars first, 100% of the time, without fail. I quickly resolve any and all adult-centered concerns and qualms to reserve my individual and our collective time and attention for our KIPPsters.” Walk Trumps Talk: “I chose this social justice career. And so, I behave in alignment with my choice. My behaviors match our promise to our scholars and families.” “Us” Only: “I belong to every member of our organization, and every member of our organization belongs to me. I choose unity always - in both the good times and hard times.” Job Summary The School Improvement Coach, Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) serves as a regional instructional leader responsible for accelerating the quality, consistency, and impact of specially designed instruction across assigned schools. Grounded in scholars’ IEPs, state standards, and KIPP Atlanta’s instructional priorities, this role provides strategic, job-embedded coaching that strengthens teacher practice, builds leader capacity, monitors implementation fidelity, and ensures scholars with disabilities have equitable access to rigorous, grade-level instruction. In partnership with teachers, APoSS, school leaders, and regional teams, the SDI Coach advances a coherent service-delivery model that improves instructional access, strengthens progress monitoring, and drives measurable outcomes for scholars with disabilities. Job Responsibilities SDI Coaching & Instructional Practice 60% Designs and leads high-impact coaching cycles for special education and general education teachers, including classroom observation, precise feedback, model lessons, rehearsal, implementation support, and follow-up aligned to effective SDI practice. Builds teacher and team capacity to translate state standards and IEP requirements into aligned lesson planning, instructional delivery, accommodations, modifications, scaffolds, and progress-monitoring routines. Conducts targeted classroom learning walks to diagnose instructional trends, identify high-leverage coaching priorities, and determine where modeling, demonstration, consultation, or team-based support will have the greatest impact. Models, monitors, and evaluates the implementation of evidence-based instructional strategies that increase access, engagement, independence, and achievement for scholars with disabilities. Strengthens classroom climate by coaching teachers and teams on proactive routines, positive behavior supports, and inclusive instructional practices that promote scholar belonging, engagement, and readiness to learn. Recommends and supports implementation of high-leverage instructional practices, tools, resources, and adjustments that strengthen SDI fidelity and accelerate scholar learning outcomes. Measure of Success Increased fidelity of specially designed instruction across assigned classrooms, as evidenced by walkthrough data, coaching cycle artifacts, lesson plan reviews, and implementation look-fors. Improved teacher capacity to design and deliver SDI aligned to scholars’ IEP goals, present levels, accommodations, service minutes, and access to grade-level standards. Consistent execution of coaching cycles, including observation