SY 26/27 Manager of Special Education

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:

Every member of the Team & Family at KIPP KC plays a critical role in ensuring our students are on the path toward college, career, and beyond.

As the Manager of Special Education, you will lead the vision, strategy, and execution of high-quality special education services across the school (or region). You will ensure that students with disabilities receive rigorous, inclusive, and individualized instruction aligned to their IEPs while achieving meaningful academic and developmental growth.

This role blends instructional leadership, compliance oversight, and program management. You will coach and develop teachers, build strong systems, ensure legal compliance, and monitor student outcomes. You will serve as the primary advocate for students with disabilities and their families, ensuring services are equitable, compliant, and student-centered.

Key Responsibilities: 

Program Leadership & Strategy

• Develop and implement a comprehensive vision for special education aligned to KIPP KC’s academic priorities and inclusion goals.

• Design and manage service delivery models (inclusion, co-teaching, resource, self-contained) to meet diverse student needs.

• Lead continuous improvement cycles using student data, including IEP goal progress, assessment results, and behavioral data.

• Ensure alignment between special education programming and general education curriculum and standards.

• Monitor program effectiveness and adjust systems to drive improved outcomes for students with disabilities.

Instructional Leadership & Coaching

• Coach and develop special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and general education teachers on best practices for inclusive instruction and differentiation.

• Model high-quality instruction, co-teach, and provide real-time feedback to build teacher capacity.

• Support the development of standards-aligned IEP goals and high-quality specially designed instruction.

• Lead professional development on topics such as inclusion, differentiation, behavior supports, and compliance.

• Build staff ownership of outcomes for students with disabilities across all classrooms.

IEP Oversight, Compliance & Case Management Systems

• Ensure full compliance with IDEA, state, and district regulations, including timelines, documentation, and service delivery.

• Oversee the development, quality, and implementation of IEPs, ensuring goals are measurable and aligned to student needs.

• Monitor service minutes, accommodations, and modifications to ensure fidelity of implementation.

• Oversee and support IEP meetings, including facilitation of complex or high-stakes cases.

• Maintain accurate and audit-ready documentation (e.g., eSPED or equivalent systems).

• Lead internal audits and ensure readiness for external compliance reviews.

Data, Assessment & Student Support

• Analyze academic, behavioral, and functional data to drive decisions and interventions.

• Oversee progress monitoring systems to ensure students are making meaningful growth toward IEP goals.

• Partner with MTSS/RTI teams to ensure appropriate identification, intervention, and support for students.

• Support development and implementation of behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and crisis response protocols.

Family & Community Engagement

• Build strong, trust-based relationships with families of students with disabilities.

• Ensure families understand their rights, services, and student progress.

• Facilitate clear, proactive communication before, during, and after IEP meetings.

• Support conflict resolution and ensure a collaborative, student-centered approach to decision-making.

Collaboration & School Leadership

• Serve as a key member of the school leadership or academic team.

• Collaborate with school leaders, ELL teams, counselors, and content leaders to ensure aligned supports for all students.

• Support recruitment, onboarding, and development of special education staff.

• Manage and support paraprofessionals and related service providers (as applicable).

• Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and high-performing school culture.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Special Education or related field preferred

• Valid Missouri Teaching License with Special Education certification required

• 3+ years of experience in special education with demonstrated student achievement results

• Prior instructional coaching, case management, or leadership experience preferred

• Deep knowledge of IDEA, IEP development, compliance requirements, and inclusive practices

• Experience managing compliance systems and special education documentation

• Strong collaboration and communication skills

• Satisfactory outcome of a background check

Applicants currently pursuing certification may apply before certification is received. All certifications must be acquired and on file with KIPP KC before the end of the first year of employment.

Skills and Competencies: 

• Commitment to KIPP KC’s mission and values

• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse environment

• Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

• Fosters an inclusive environment for students, staff, and families

• Works effectively with colleagues and stakeholders

• Builds strong relationships within the KIPP KC community

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.

• Typical school or office environment with frequent interruptions.

Travel Requirements:

• Ability to travel to work locations. 

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary is based on years of experience, educational background and level of expertise.

As a full-time KIPP Kansas City employee, you are eligible to participate in all KIPP Kansas City benefit plans. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits with competitive rates, including medical, dental, and vision options, as well as life insurance, fertility, and disability plans.

KIPP Kansas City is committed to the professional growth and development of our staff. We provide numerous opportunities for advancement, ongoing professional development, and leadership training to help you achieve your career goals.

KIPP Kansas City provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

Selection Process:

Our application process is grounded in equity and fairness, ensuring a just and unbiased selection process. Below is our standard selection process for regional roles:

Selection Process 

Application Submission + Resume Review 

Phone or Video Interview 

If Applicable (Sample work or Performance Task) 

Committee Interview(s) 

1:1 Chat w/Hiring Manager 

Reference Check 

Offer Terms