Content Specialist - Middle School (25-26)

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Content Specialist - Middle School (25-26)

🔹 Company: KIPP Public Schools Northern California

🔹 Location: Oakland, California, United States

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Education

🔹 Date Posted: May 21, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Supporting the school's vision and goals
• Leading instruction and school culture
• Developing emerging leaders
• Collaborating with the school leader on hiring and staff development

ASSUMPTION: This role is ideal for educators who are passionate about student success and eager to take on leadership responsibilities.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Model and support implementation of the school’s vision and goals

• Supports the Schools Leader's vision and takes an active role in mobilizing teachers to achieve the collective goals of the school
• With guidance from the School Leader, leads the planning and goal setting for the grades/departments that he/she coaches and ensures alignment with school-wide goals

✅ Contribute to school-wide planning and prioritizes time to accomplish goals

• Provides input into the strategic planning of the school, and identifies areas of ownership for self and direct reports

✅ Model strong staff and student culture and manage school-wide character development and behavior management systems

• Supports teachers in student support and behavior intervention systems to ensure that limited time is spent on reactive student discipline
• Manages parts of the daily school operations (e.g. arrival/dismissal, lunch/recess, school trips)
• Acts as a contact for student intervention and parent engagement; determines next steps for issues that are above the teacher/grade level/department chair

✅ Collaborate with School Leader on hiring diverse, highly-effective teachers and school staff

• Build own direct reports' instructional knowledge of standards, content, and methods

ASSUMPTION: The role requires strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills to manage multiple responsibilities and stakeholders.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree preferred

Experience: 2-5 years of teaching experience required, with a proven track record of student achievement

Required Skills:

• Instructional Leadership: Adept at data analysis; ability to extract meaningful insights across school-wide data
• Instructional Leadership: Deep understanding of appropriate application and differentiation of high-leverage instructional strategies
• Relationship Building: Expertise in cultivating relationships and managing a diverse group of stakeholders
• Student Focus: Belief that all students, regardless of background, have the ability to go to and through college; demonstrated commitment to the school’s unique community
• Cultural Competence: Demonstrated ability to create inclusive environments that honors and supports a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives

Preferred Skills:

• Bilingual or multilingual proficiency
• Experience in a charter school or urban education setting

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong commitment to KIPP's mission and values, as well as a passion for working with students from diverse backgrounds.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $92,000 - $102,000 per year (Bay Area)

Benefits:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Transportation

Working Hours: Full-time, school year calendar cycle

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is competitive with other charter schools and school districts in the Bay Area.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: KIPP Public Schools Northern California is a network of free, public charter schools that prepare students for success in college and beyond. They serve over 7,000 elementary, middle, and high school students in various locations across Northern California.

Company Size: 501-1,000 employees

Founded: 2002

Company Description:

• KIPP offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and transportation benefits
• They strive to cultivate a representative team of teachers and leaders that reflect their students’ diversity
• KIPP offers professional development, coaching, and collaboration opportunities for their teachers

Company Specialties:

• Primary and Secondary Education

Company Website: https://kippnorcal.org/careers/

ASSUMPTION: KIPP Public Schools Northern California is committed to providing a high-quality education to all students, regardless of their background.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level leadership role with opportunities for growth

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the School Leader

Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time, school year calendar cycle

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to advance to an Assistant Principal role
• Professional development opportunities
• Collaboration with experienced educators and leaders

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity for educators to develop their leadership skills and make a significant impact on student success.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: School site

Office Location(s): Oakland, California, United States

Geographic Context:

• Oakland is a diverse city with a rich history and vibrant culture
• The Bay Area offers a wide range of recreational and cultural activities
• The cost of living in the Bay Area is high, but KIPP offers competitive salaries and benefits

Work Schedule: Full-time, school year calendar cycle, with some flexibility during the summer months

ASSUMPTION: The work environment can be demanding, with long hours and high stress during peak periods, but also offers a high degree of autonomy and the opportunity to make a significant impact on student success.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or virtual interview with the School Leader and other school staff
• Final decision and offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Instructional leadership skills
• Cultural competency and ability to work with diverse stakeholders
• Commitment to KIPP's mission and values
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
• Be prepared to discuss your approach to instructional leadership and student success
• Demonstrate your commitment to KIPP's mission and values
• Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your interest in the role

ATS Keywords: Instructional Leadership, Data Analysis, Cultural Competence, Achievement Orientation, Relationship Building, Student Focus

ASSUMPTION: The interview process is designed to assess your fit for the role and KIPP's mission and values.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Google Workspace
• Student Information Systems (e.g. PowerSchool, Infinite Campus)
• Data analysis tools (e.g. Excel, Google Sheets)

ASSUMPTION: The role requires proficiency in using various software tools and platforms to manage data, communicate with stakeholders, and support instruction.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• High Expectations
• Challenging and Supportive Culture
• Continuous Learning and Improvement

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Data-driven and results-focused
• Adaptable and responsive to change

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you support and hold high expectations for both students and staff?
• How do you create a challenging and supportive culture that promotes growth and success?
• How do you approach continuous learning and improvement in your own practice and in the school as a whole?

ASSUMPTION: KIPP values educators who are committed to their mission, passionate about student success, and dedicated to continuous learning and improvement.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• High workload and stress during peak periods
• Working with diverse stakeholders with varying expectations and priorities
• Managing student behavior and intervention systems
• Navigating a complex and ever-changing educational landscape

ASSUMPTION: The role requires strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills to manage multiple responsibilities and stakeholders effectively.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Content Specialist vs. Assistant Principal: Content Specialists focus more on instructional leadership and supporting teachers, while Assistant Principals have broader administrative responsibilities
• KIPP vs. Traditional Public Schools: KIPP offers more autonomy and flexibility, but also higher expectations and accountability
• Middle School vs. Elementary or High School: Middle school educators often face unique challenges in supporting students during a critical transitional period

ASSUMPTION: Each role and organization has its unique strengths and challenges, and candidates should consider their personal preferences and career goals when comparing opportunities.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a new data-driven instruction model
• Leading a school-wide professional development initiative
• Collaborating with the School Leader to hire and onboard new teachers

ASSUMPTION: The role offers a wide range of projects and initiatives that allow educators to develop their leadership skills and make a significant impact on student success.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does the school support the professional growth and development of its educators?
• What are the key priorities for the school in the upcoming year, and how can this role contribute to their success?
• How does the school leader foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment?
• What opportunities are there for growth and advancement within the school and the broader KIPP network?
• How does the school engage with and support the local community?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to KIPP's mission and values.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
• Prepare for your interview by researching KIPP's mission, values, and educational approach
• Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your interest in the role
• If selected for the final round, be prepared to present a sample lesson plan or project that demonstrates your instructional leadership skills

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.