FAQs about Teaching at KSA

Q: Does KIPP Summit Academy focus on teaching content knowledge or critical thinking skills?
A: The answer is a clear and resounding "both." KSA students must master content knowledge AND develop critical thinking skills in order to succeed in a college preparatory high school and gain acceptance to a four-year college to succeed in life.

Q: Are KSA teachers expected to teach toward the test?
A: Absolutely not as a strategy unto itself. KSA will not allocate a period of the day or a special week for test preparation that diverges from our established curriculum. However, teachers will be expected to plan their curriculum so that exciting, well-planned lessons teach California standards that are evaluated on the California Standards Test. In addition, teachers are expected to integrate question formats found on the test into their home-grown assessments given throughout the year.

Q: Do teachers have the option of not teaching the extended day/year schedule?
A: More time is an essential component of KIPP Summit Academy. All full-time teachers will teach the extended school day and school year calendar. Our goal is to ensure that all teachers are given two hours of planning time each day to provide balance to their day.

Q: What does it take to be a successful teacher at KSA?
A: You must commit to maintaining extremely high standards for academics and behavior, possess strong classroom management skills, and understand the level of consistency and commitment it takes to build a culture of excellence and a true sense of team and family. KSA teachers maintain a true depth of knowledge about the subjects they teach and place a premium on making learning fun and engaging. Finally, KSA teachers will do whatever it takes to ensure students climb the mountain to college.

Q: Are teachers at KSA paid more for working longer hours?
A: Absolutely. KSA teachers receive salaries that are on average 15 - 20% higher than the San Lorenzo Unified pay scale. Teachers also receive full benefits and continue to participate in the STRS retirement program.

Q: Are teachers at KSA required to keep in close contact with students and parents?
A: Yes. Teachers at KSA receive a cell phone paid for by KIPP Summit Academy. Every parent and student is given staff cell phone numbers and invited to call with questions until at 8:00 p.m. each night.

Q: Will there be significant opportunities for professional development at KSA?
A: Yes. KSA is committed to creating a school where ALL of us WILL learn including teachers and staff. Teachers will receive as many as 15 days of thoughtfully planned staff development each year. In addition, KSA will give every teacher $250 and one day off each year to spend on professional development opportunities of their choosing.

Q: Can I take students on field trips to ensure learning takes place outside the classroom?
A: KSA wants the absolute best for our students. We are dedicated to introducing them to the many cultural and educational resources found in the Bay Area. Funds have been budgeted to allow teachers to partner with organizations like the Oakland Zoo or Berkeley Reparatory Theater to turn our community into our classroom.

Q: What other responsibilities will I have during the school year outside the classroom?
A: All members of the KSA staff will have various responsibilities outside the classroom which may include but are not limited to morning, lunch or afternoon duty, chaperoning field trips, grade-level meetings, department meetings, teaching a KSA Book Club class.