5-8 Reading Specialist

About KIPP Kansas City Public Schools:

KIPP Kansas City Public Schools is part of a nationwide network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory charter schools dedicated to preparing students in educationally underserved communities for success in college and life. Our strength as a region serves as a catalyst for empowerment, change, and hope.

Founded in 2007, KIPP Kansas City Public Schools began with KIPP Endeavor Academy, serving approximately 31 fifth-grade students. Today, we educate approximately 1,000 students from Pre-K through 12th grade, with our community continuing to expand. Together with families and communities, we strive to create joyful, academically excellent schools that equip students with the skills and confidence to pursue their chosen paths—whether college, career, or beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and contribute to a more just world.

Position Overview:

The 5-8 Reading Interventionist supports teachers in delivering high-quality education to students. This role involves assisting with instructional activities, managing classroom behavior, and providing individualized support to ensure that all students achieve their learning goals. The Instructional Assistant plays a crucial role in fostering a positive and inclusive classroom environment.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Conduct instructional exercises assigned by the teacher while working with individual students or small groups focused on reading skills.
• Assist with classroom management, creating an environment conducive to reading development.
• Support the teacher in planning, preparing, and implementing differentiated reading instruction for individual students or groups.
• Provide targeted reading interventions to reinforce literacy concepts for struggling students.
• Assist in the assessment of student reading progress and maintain accurate records.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of full-time teaching experience, preferably in elementary or middle school ELA

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field

• Teaching license (any state); Missouri certification required

• Strong knowledge of foundational reading skills, language comprehension, and intervention design

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Reading, Literacy, Special Education, or a related field

• LETRS training or certification (preferred or willingness to complete within the first year)

• Orton-Gillingham, Wilson, or other structured literacy training

• Deep understanding of the Science of Reading and experience implementing multisyllabic decoding routines

• Experience working with diverse student populations, including English Learners and students with IEPs

• Demonstrated success accelerating reading growth for below-grade-level students

Physical Requirements: 

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. 
• The person in this position needs to be able to move about inside and outside the school or office throughout the workday.
• The candidate is expected to attend conferences, meetings and training sessions both virtually and in person within the Region. 

Work Environment

• Reports to work Monday-Friday and some weekends. 
• A typical school or office environment with frequent interruptions.

Travel Requirements:

• Ability to travel to work location. 

We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits

• High-quality curriculum and resources

• A collaborative, mission-driven team

• Professional development focused on literacy and intervention best practices

• Opportunities to lead and influence reading instruction school-wide