Professional Development

KIPP teachers and leaders are members of school, regional and national networks of educators who believe all students deserve a chance at college and are willing to do whatever it takes so students are successful climbing the mountain to and through college.

At the school level, teachers participate in weekly professional development focused on identifying and improving teaching and learning. School-based professional development ranges from collaborative lesson planning to watching and reflecting teaching videos to planning school-wide or grade level assemblies to enhance school culture.  In addition, teachers have the ability to design their own professional learning by attending conferences and workshops.

At the regional level, KIPP teachers in New Orleans participate in shared professional development.  During the 2009-10 school year, all KIPP teachers in New Orleans will meet quarterly to analyze interim assessment/student achievement data, discuss best practices related to instruction, and plan together so all students receive the same high quality instruction across all schools.

KIPP New Orleans Schools teachers join like-minded leaders from across the country for the annual KIPP School Summit in the summer of every year.  This opportunity connects KIPP teachers with others from schools across America who – like them – are committed to a movement that is proving the possible in education.  In addition, KIPP teachers are connected to one another via communities of practice.  For example, a fifth grade writing teacher in New Orleans can within minutes be in touch with other fifth grade writing teachers from school in New York, Helena or Los Angeles to share best practices.  Finally, the KIPP Foundation offers a myriad of professional development opportunities for those teachers ready to take their practice to the next level.