Job Description

Innovate Instructional Assistant - Virtual School

Job Summary

The Instructional Assistant supports students with special education needs in KIPP DC Innovate Virtual Academy’s virtual classrooms, working alongside the Lead Teacher to make learning accessible, engaging, and responsive to individual needs. Under the Lead Teacher’s direction, the Instructional Assistant provides small-group and one-on-one instructional support, reinforces key concepts, and implements accommodations and modifications aligned with students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

In the virtual environment, this includes supporting students in live lessons and breakout rooms, helping them navigate digital platforms and instructional materials, monitoring engagement and work completion, and providing timely prompts and feedback. The Instructional Assistant helps students build routines, organize assignments, use assistive technology and accessibility tools, and develop confidence and independence as virtual learners.

Through ongoing collaboration with teachers and student support staff, the Instructional Assistant shares observations about student progress, identifies barriers to participation, and helps ensure students receive consistent support across their learning experiences. The role also includes supporting students during required in-person testing, field trips, and school activities.

About KIPP DC

For 25 years, KIPP DC has partnered with students, families, and the community to create joyful, academically excellent schools across the nation’s capital. Today, our network of 22 schools educate more than 7,500 students in grades PreK3-12, supported by 1,500 dedicated teachers, leaders, and staff.

Our work is grounded in five pillars–Academic Excellence, Joy & Sense of Belonging, Highly Effective Teachers and Leaders, Safe, Structured, and Nurturing Learning Environments, and Commitment to College Readiness–which ensure every student is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue success in college, careers, and beyond. Our schools combine high expectations with joyful, affirming environments that nurture academic success and personal growth for students and staff alike.

As part of the national KIPP network, we share best practices and innovations while maintaining deep roots in Washington, D.C. Together, we strive toward a future without limits for our students, alumni, and community.

About the Team

KIPP DC Innovate Virtual Academy serves 158 students in grades 5–12 across Washington, DC, through a virtual learning program that combines academic rigor, personalized support, and a connected school community. Our team of 12 staff members works collaboratively to provide culturally responsive, identity-affirming instruction grounded in strong relationships with students and families.

Through live virtual instruction, targeted small groups, individualized check-ins, and opportunities for independent learning, we help students build academic skills while developing the self-advocacy, perseverance, and accountability needed to thrive. We believe virtual classrooms should be academically challenging, joyful, and engaging—places where every student feels known, valued, and supported. In-person field trips, assessments, and school activities strengthen relationships and extend learning beyond the screen.

Our staff receive ongoing coaching, collaborative planning opportunities, and dedicated professional development to strengthen instruction and respond to student needs. Families are essential partners in this work, and we prioritize consistent communication and shared goal-setting to support each student’s growth. Together, we create a flexible, connected learning environment that empowers students to take ownership of their education and reach their full potential.

About the Role

As an Instructional Assistant, you will:

• Support teachers in ensuring safe environments and instructional opportunities that meet the needs of diverse learners.
• Using lesson plans, provide specialized whole group, small group, and one-on-one instruction to students with special education needs.
• Tailor lessons to an individual student's needs or assist students with especially challenging assignments.
• Implement behavioral and academic strategies outlined in a child’s IEP.
• Deescalate student behaviors using a variety of strategies.
• Establish positive relationships with colleagues, students, families and the community which reflect recognition of and respect for every individual virtually and in person
• Understand how to navigate the virtual environment through the use of zoom, google classroom, and various instructional platforms

Location and Type of Work

This is a Hybrid position. One Day Onsite and Four Days Remote per Week

This is a school-based instructional role supporting KIPP DC Innovate Virtual Academy, serving students in grades 5–12. The regular work schedule includes one onsite day per week at a designated KIPP DC location in Washington, DC, and four remote workdays. All instruction and student support take place in a virtual environment.

In addition to the weekly onsite day, staff are required to attend in person for field trips, student testing, school activities, and other needs as determined by the Director of Virtual Learning and Programming. These responsibilities may require additional onsite days during a given week.

Instructional Assistants support virtual classroom instruction during the student day (generally 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.). Work hours are typically 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. two days per week and 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. three days per week to allow for duties, collaboration, and professional development.

Key Responsibilities

Build Strong Relationships and Classroom Culture (approx. 30 percent)

• Demonstrate commitment to KIPP DC’s mission, with a focus on excellence, equity, and antiracist practice.
• Build trusting, affirming relationships with students, families, and teammates.
• Support the lead teacher in implementing strategies for classroom culture and positive behavior incentives.
• De-escalate student behaviors using a variety of strategies.

Instructional Support (approx. 40 percent)

• Using lesson plans, provide specialized whole group, small group, and one-on-one instruction to students with special education needs.
• Under teacher direction, provide individualized behavior and academic supports to improve a child's achievement of individual academic and behavioral goals in support of that child’s IEP goals.
• Regularly observe students and take anecdotal notes to inform planning in the arrangement of small groups, classroom setup, integrations of students’ interests in learning activities, and subsequent assessments.
• Attend Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings with the student support team and teachers as needed

Professional Collaboration, Development, and Feedback (approx. 20 percent)

• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, professional development sessions, and weekly planning/feedback meetings.
• Implement coaching and feedback from school leaders, coaches, and lead teachers/grade-level chairs.
• Demonstrate flexibility at all times. Instructional Assistants are attached to the IEP needs, and it should be expected that responsibilities will change as school needs change.

Schoolwide Duties & Operational Expectations (approx. 10 percent)

• Assist children with personal hygiene, toileting, meals, and other daily activities when applicable.
• Fulfill the standards of professionalism, including appropriate dress, attendance, and timeliness.
• Perform duties (arrival, lunch, transitions, dismissal) as assigned.
• Support school events such as family-teacher conferences, open houses, field trips, and community events.

The percentages for each key responsibility are estimates, and other duties may be assigned. Flexibility and responsiveness are encouraged to accommodate organizational needs.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or General Education Development Certificate (GED)
• Commitment to working with students from communities with limited access to high-quality educational opportunities
• Demonstrate knowledge of and the ability to assist reading, writing, and mathematics instruction
• Strong communication skills with families and caregivers, including culturally responsive partnership
• Demonstrated flexibility to adapt to new tasks

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree
• Experience as an Aide, Assistant, or Paraprofessional working with students with special education needs
• Experience in an urban K–12 public school setting

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to remain in a classroom environment for extended periods to support assigned student(s)
• Must be able to monitor students throughout the school building, including transitions, lunch, and recess.

Core Competencies:

KIPP DC Vision for Teaching Excellence:

• Content Knowledge: Teachers at KIPP DC are experts in their content areas and display an exemplary ability to build understanding and interest in students at multiple ability levels. Teachers connect content across disciplines, to real life, and use their own content mastery to empower students to think deeply about academic content.
• Instructional Responsiveness: Teachers use data to engage in a deliberate cycle of internalization, planning, delivery, questioning, feedback, and reflection to move student mastery forward in academic and socio-emotional learning. Teachers are aware of how all students are performing and are able to adapt to meet the needs of students.
• Care of Students & Classroom Culture: Teachers set a joyful authentic tone and build loving relationships so that each student and family feels valued. Teachers encourage student voice, promote independent thinking, and encourage students to take risks academically and socially. Teachers collaborate with families and empower students to work towards ambitious academic and socio-emotional learning goals.
• Growth & Development: Teachers at KIPP DC are continuous learners and seek out feedback and development opportunities, while also being self reflective about their own practice. Teachers apply flexibility and a problem-solving approach to persist through challenges. Teachers have a deep and growing understanding of their own identity, mindsets, and biases and use this insight to inform their teaching and professional development.

KIPP DC offers an extremely competitive compensation and benefits package:

• The anticipated starting salary range for this position is $37,440- $57,337. At KIPP DC we strive for clarity, equity, and to be highly competitive. When determining salaries we look at benchmarks in the education and non-profit sector. The salary scale can be found here.
• KIPP DC offers a robust benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurances; various voluntary benefits; and employer paid benefits such as short term disability, long term disability, life insurance, and a membership to One Medical.
• KIPP DC also offers a 403(b) retirement account with a 3% employer contribution and a 3% match with vesting after three years.
• Currently, individuals in this role have up to 15 paid time off days, up to 10 paid sick days, and 12 paid holidays. This is subject to change and your exact schedule will be shared in your offer letter.

KIPP DC Public Schools does not discriminate against, or tolerate discrimination against, employees or applicants for employment on any legally-recognized basis or protected class including, but not limited to, actual or perceived race, color, national origin, immigration status (except as necessary to comply with federal, DC, state, or local law), religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity or expression), marital status (including domestic partnership status), genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, family responsibilities, personal appearance, veteran status, uniform service member status, status of being unemployed, status of victim a survivor of domestic violence, sexual offense or stalking, matriculation or any other protected class under federal, state, DC, or local law.

Click here or here to review KIPP DC’s non-discrimination policy and KIPP DC’s Title IX Coordinator’s contact information.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

KIPP DC Public Schools does not discriminate against, or tolerate discrimination against, employees or applicants for employment on any legally-recognized basis or protected class including, but not limited to, actual or perceived race, color, national origin, immigration status (except as necessary to comply with federal, DC, state, or local law), religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity or expression), marital status (including domestic partnership status), genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, family responsibilities, personal appearance, veteran status, uniform service member status, status of being unemployed, status of victim a survivor of domestic violence, sexual offense or stalking, matriculation or any other protected class under federal, state, DC, or local law.

Click here or here to review KIPP DC’s non-discrimination policy and KIPP DC’s Title IX Coordinator’s contact information.

Please Note: If you encounter difficulties submitting your application kindly reach out to careers@kippdc.org and a member of our Talent Acquisition team will reach out. Please include your name, resume, and specify the role you are applying for in your email. We appreciate your understanding and apologize for any inconvenience caused.