Dear Prospective Teacher: Thank you for your interest in KIPP Delta College Preparatory School. KIPP Delta opened its doors to 75 5th graders in 2002. The school has since evolved into a 5-8 middle school and expanded to high school this fall with our first 9th grade class. We belong to the KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) network of schools - a group of 52 schools bound by the common goal of providing historically underserved children and communities with high performing college-preparatory education. The next few months will be critical to the continued growth of KIPP Delta. I am constantly looking for individuals who agree with the KIPP philosophy and are willing to do whatever is necessary to achieve the mission of KIPP Delta. Our mission, in its simplest form, is to put children, who might not otherwise have the opportunity, on a track to the nation’s best colleges and universities. From the minute students enroll at KIPP Delta, every decision we make should have this end goal in mind. We will not compromise on this goal, and we will constantly look for ways to make this vision a reality for every student who chooses to attend KIPP Delta. I am looking for people who will work to achieve our school mission, but also recognize that this is not an easy task. We do not have a magic formula to yield student results and to obtain our goals. Success lies in dedicated people putting in long and hard hours - and even then success is not guaranteed. One of KIPP’s sayings is that "There are no shortcuts." It is this attitude that has in part enabled our students to find success when others thought the challenges were too high to overcome. We will certainly face obstacles that will challenge us and sometimes frustrate us. However, by adhering to excellence and refusing to take shortcuts, there is no doubt in my mind that success will come through perseverance and time. While the mission of KIPP Delta College Preparatory School is to improve the opportunities and education of children, it is certainly the intent of this school leader to create an environment where the teachers have the freedom, support, and resources necessary to deliver quality education. DCPS will offer teachers the professional growth, higher degree of responsibility, and financial incentives that are currently missing in public education. The teachers I am seeking to hire are putting in additional hours, taking on increased responsibility, and running supplementary programs in their current schools - often without financial incentives. The financial autonomy of KIPP Delta College Preparatory School will allow the school director to offer wages to employees that, without compromising any benefits, exceed the local salary scale. Teachers at DCPS will be compensated for additional hours, increased responsibility, and valued expertise. The school is also in the process of developing a comprehensive bonus plan for its staff and teachers. Teachers at KIPP Delta College Preparatory School will also have access to a significant amount of professional growth. DCPS is part of an expanding KIPP Network, which boasts high performing schools across the country. KIPP Foundation is working extensively to create professional opportunities of the highest caliber. A priority of mine as director will be to not only bring in esteemed educators, but to send staff to observe at some top schools with similar missions across the nation. It is also my intent to align professional development with the individual needs of the teachers. During its first years, all the members of the staff will be wearing multiple hats to ensure that a high quality school is in place. As the school expands and individuals gain more expertise in particular roles, KIPP Delta College Preparatory School will be able to create several positions which will provide teachers with opportunities for increased responsibility, greater professional growth, and increased compensation. Potential roles may include, but will not be limited to Grade-Level Chairs, Subject Chairs, Saturday School Director, Director of High School Placement, Professional Developer, and Mentor Teacher. KIPP Delta College Preparatory School is embarking upon uncharted territory. As a teacher at DCPS, you will have the opportunity to help determine the course our school will take. We are striving to create a school that will adhere to the same principles of excellence and quality upon which KIPP was created fifty years from now and fifty years after that. While the challenges will be great, I believe the rewards will be even greater. I hope you choose to join the journey with the belief that education can always be something more than it is and all children deserve the best the world has to offer. Sincerely, Scott Shirey |
