Professional Development

KIPP teachers are passionate, dedicated professionals who thrive on challenge and consistently strive to master the complex art and science of teaching in order to ensure that every student is on the path to college. Professional development activities and opportunities vary across schools and regions as instructional leaders and coaches match the needs of teachers with appropriate training and support. KIPP's extended school day gives teachers more time to collaborate with and learn from each other and teachers also receive feedback and coaching on their teaching from trained instructional leaders.

In addition to participating in training days and activities in their schools and regions, KIPP teachers also have various opportunities at the national level to continue improving their craft by participating in professional development with other KIPP teachers from around the country. By participating in these national events and programs, teachers have the chance to connect with the larger KIPP teaching community to share best practices and participate in professional development led by national experts and other excellent KIPP teachers.

Leadership Development

For teachers interested in pursuing school leadership, the KIPP Leadership Pathways Program offers leadership development for succession leaders, founding leaders, emerging leaders and teacher leaders. These four distinct "pathways" cultivate a team of new leaders at all levels, to ensure the quality of education within a school over the long term. To learn more about the KIPP School Leadership Program, click here.

KIPP School Summit

Each summer, KIPP teachers have the opportunity to come together for an entire week of learning and community-building at the KIPP School Summit (KSS). Held annually, this large-scale network-wide event offers learning experiences with high quality presenters in all academic content areas and effective and culturally relevant pedagogy. While maximizing opportunities for sharing and collaborating with colleagues, KSS also ensures that teachers walk back into their classrooms each Fall armed with best practices and tools that they can implement immediately. Every session is designed to support teachers in becoming masters of their craft.

KIPP teachers nationwide gather for professional development and community-building. Click to watch the video.

If you are interested in learning more or in being a presenter at the upcoming KIPP School Summit in Nashville, TN from August 1-4, 2011, please email nmullen@kipp.org.

KIPP Content Retreats

Every year, KIPP Foundation hosts a variety of weekend-long community retreats throughout the country. These retreats provide attendees an opportunity to learn from and collaborate with other teachers and leaders throughout the network. In addition, they are able to observe at the local KIPP schools, work side by side with fellow KIPP teachers on their long term plans/lesson plans, and attend workshops presented by outstanding outside education professionals. In the past, the Foundation has hosted retreats for the KIPP ELA community, Math community, Science community, Social Studies community, Special Needs community, and Early Childhood/Elementary community.

If you would like more information on these events or are interested in being a presenter, please contact nmullen@kipp.org.