KIPP, the Knowledge Is Power Program, is a national network of free, open enrollment, college preparatory public schools dedicated to preparing students in underserved communities for success in college and life. There are 280 KIPP schools across the nation and the District of Columbia, serving more than 175,000 students and alumni with more than 15,000 educators. 

Founded in 2008 with 50 students in 5th grade, KIPP Columbus currently educates  2,000 students in grades Kindergarten through twelfth.  With a mission to, together with families and the community, create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose -- college, career, and beyond --  KIPP has maintained excellence in its growth, and will improve upon that standard – proving what is possible in public education.

KIPP Columbus continues to rank as one of the top schools for academic growth of any school in the state of Ohio, and is a top performing urban school in the state for academic growth. In our first three graduating classes (in spring 2020, 2021, and 2022) 100% of students were accepted to college and/or military service  with nearly $40 million in merit scholarships from colleges and universities awarded.

In addition to academic excellence, KIPP Columbus also partners with nearly 100 community organizations to provide extracurricular activities, programming, health and wellness services, meals, and more to KIPP students, families, and the broader community. KIPP is also a member of the Ohio High School Athletic Association, offering more than 10 varsity sports. 

The KIPP Columbus learning campus will continue to advance student learning, expand partnerships, enable superior programming, and serve as a teaching and leadership lab for schools nationwide, reimagining education through a deeper lens of antiracism, excellence, and joy as we expand to educate nearly 4,000 students on our learning campus in the coming years. 

Interested in learning more about our school?  Please check out our website: https://www.kippcolumbus.org/

The Opportunity

The Behavior Assistant supports students with behavioral, emotional, and social challenges in a school setting. This role involves implementing behavior support plans, assisting with classroom management, and providing direct intervention to help students develop positive behaviors. The Behavior Assistant collaborates closely with teachers, Intervention Specialists, BCBA, and other staff to create a safe and supportive learning environment.

The Behavior Assistant will have at least 1 year experience in a school setting, 10 hours training in behavior management techniques and positive reinforcement strategies and training in de-escalation techniques. The Behavior Assistant will be licensed as an educational aide by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.

A summary of responsibilities include, but not limited to: 

• Assist students in following behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and individualized education program (IEP) goals.

• Provide one-on-one or small group support to students exhibiting challenging behaviors.

• Use reinforcement strategies, de-escalation techniques, and positive behavior supports to address behavior concerns.

• Implement behavior strategies developed by behavior specialists or school-based teams.

• Monitor and collect data on student behavior and intervention effectiveness.

• Provide support during transitions, group activities, and other situations where students may struggle.

• Assist teachers in managing classroom behavior and promoting a positive learning environment.

• Model effective behavior management techniques for teachers and support staff.

• Support the implementation of classroom-wide behavior management systems.

• Provide immediate support during behavioral crises, following established safety protocols.

• Assist in maintaining a calm and safe environment for all students and staff.

• Document student behavior and progress using provided tools and templates.

• Report observations and concerns to behavior specialists, teachers, or administrators.

• Participate in team meetings to share insights and contribute to behavior plan adjustments.

• Attend training sessions on behavior management techniques, de-escalation strategies, and other relevant topics.

• Stay informed on best practices in supporting students with behavioral needs.

• Collaborate with BCBA, teachers, school counselors, and administrators to address student needs.

• Communicate effectively with parents and guardians when appropriate, under the guidance of the behavior team.

• Maintain professional and respectful interactions with all members of the school community.

• Minimum of 1 years experience as a school-based Behavior Assistant 

• Minimum 10 hours training in behavior management techniques and positive reinforcement strategies

• Training in de-escalation techniques

• Active educational aide permit through the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Experience working with children or adolescents in educational or behavioral settings

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with students and staff.

• Ability to remain patient, calm, and consistent in managing challenging behaviors.

• Proficiency in documenting and reporting behavior-related data.

• Organizational and time management skills to handle multiple responsibilities.

• Ability to move throughout the school building and support students during physical activities.

• Capacity to assist in behavioral interventions, including de-escalation and crisis management.

• Physical stamina to manage active and sometimes challenging students.

• Ability to persevere with a sense of optimism, strong problem solving skills, and desire to learn and grow in a collaborative professional learning community

• Willingness, and commitment, to go above and beyond to prove the possible with students.

• Ability to multi-task and work within an ambiguous, fast-moving, start-up environment, while driving toward clarity and solutions

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills

• Travel may be required

Compensation and Benefits

KIPP Columbus offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefit plan including medical and dental insurance, as well as group term life insurance, retirement plan and paid time off. 

Statement of Non-Disclosure

KIPP Columbus is committed to a policy of equal treatment for all individuals applying to the school for consideration of any position (admission, employment, etc.). KIPP Columbus does not discriminate on the basis of disability, gender, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic that is contained in the definition of hate crimes set forth in Section 4112.02 of the Ohio Revised Code.