Staff Perspectives
Supportive Environment
There have been times I have had to put me as a person before me as a teacher, and have always been met with empathy and understanding, and that feels good. It feels good to work in a place like that. Morgan Strabo
Bringing The Joy
Everyone is on the same page about having high expectations for our students – but they also bring in this joy. They want to be here and want to be teaching. Katie Crump
Why I Became A Teacher
I really love this school because of the diversity that’s here. I’d have to say that at meeting the families, learning about new cultures, things that I’ve only read about, but then I can get a different perspective from people who actually live in that culture. I think that has facilitated my growth as not just an educator, but also as a human being. I feel a sense of community here at this school. I feel a sense of connectedness and I feel like I’m fulfilling for the first time in my career why I became a teacher, which is to address a need that I saw in my community. Mikael Spears
Fostering Understanding
We have so many cultures in this school and students start to know so much … what I know from Mexican people, we are from Afghanistan, we are from Somalia, we are from Cuba, and so on. We have so many different cultures here and I have noticed a lot of celebrations happening here based on their cultures. It means awareness for all the kids. If you know the culture, if all the students know about each other’s cultures, this helps build trust between each other. Shirmohammad Didar
Autonomy In Education
Our administration does a good job of finding ways to say yes to us – they are not there to LIMIT us. They really do honor the autonomy and creative side of education. Katie Crump
Experience Culture
I’ve been here for 25 years and I keep coming back because I just love the work that I get to do with families. I get to find solutions to problems every day. I get to experience working with cultures from around the world. I get to continue my own learning, and it just feels good going home every day knowing that you’ve really made a difference in the lives of students who may need a little extra support. Jennifer Wilson
Succeed And Grow
Teachers should come to KCIA because there is so much trust between the admin and the teachers, and there’s just a desire for everybody to do well and grow. And again, the same thing for students. It’s like we want people to feel like they get to express themselves in their classrooms as whatever they wish, and just really allow space for if you’re meeting all of these things, do it. Bailey Conard
EL-Centered Approach
I think what makes the EL program at KCIA so special is that it is so incorporated with the rest of our curriculum assessment, professional development. It’s not separate here at KCIA. We serve such a large percentage of multilingual learners that servicing those students in the most effective way possible is a part of all the decisions we make in terms of what curricular materials use, what our instructional strategies look like. So constantly our teachers are thinking about the four domains of language, reading, writing, speaking, and listening, and how to infuse that with the content learning students are already doing in class. Kate McDowell
Compensation and Benefits
Salary and Compensation
Salary is determined by the number of years of teaching experience (‘steps’) as well as education level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate). Annually, teachers move up a step in the schedule.
Please view the salary schedule to determine the progression of salary based on your experience and education goals.
Supplemental Pay
KCIA staff members can earn supplemental pay for a variety of additional school support opportunities – from lunch duty to coaching sports or leading after-school clubs.
KCPSRS Retirement
All employees contribute 9% per pay period to the Kansas City Public School Retirement System (KCPRS). Employees are fully vested after five years. At the five-year mark, the school contributes 12% to the overall funds invested in KCPRS.
Health Benefits
KCIA offers a robust package of health benefits. For more information about insurance, payroll, paid days off, and holidays/vacation, please visit our overview linked here.
Our School Calendar
Please view our linked school-year calendar to see a typical year at KCIA.
Application Process
What To Expect
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Call-In for Interview – Once your application is reviewed, we’ll reach out to schedule a phone conversation. This is our chance to learn a little more about you—and for you to get a feel for who we are.
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Interview & Building Tour – You’ll meet with school leaders and take a tour of the building so you can see our classrooms, meet staff, and experience the culture firsthand. We want you to picture what it feels like to be part of our community.
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Recommendation to HR & Superintendent – After your interview, the school team will share their recommendation with HR and the Superintendent. We take care to make thoughtful, collaborative decisions that honor both your strengths and our students’ needs.
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Reference Checks – We’ll connect with the references you provided to learn more about your work and the impact you’ve had. It’s important to us that you feel supported throughout this step—we’ll let you know when we reach out.
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Second Interview with HR – You’ll meet with a member of our HR team to discuss salary, benefits, and next steps. This conversation ensures we answer your questions and set you up for success from day one.
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Offer Extended to All Finalists – Once decisions are made, we contact all candidates promptly—whether with an offer or an update. We value your time and interest and aim to communicate with transparency and care.
Pathways to Teaching
If you are interested in teaching at KCIA but do not have a teaching certificate, please check out one of the many opportunities to become a teacher or work with us in another capacity.
American Board
Educator Academy
Substitute Teach through Morgan Hunter
Teach For America
UMKC Institute for Urban Education
Apply Here
Helpful Links
Details of Operation
M-F: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed
414 Wallace Ave
Kansas City, MO 64125
Email Us: aislaweyn@kcia.us