[2024 - 2025] KIPP Gaston Cheer Coach

Company Description

Organizational Overview

Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) North Carolina, is a network of eight tuition-free, college-preparatory public charter schools educating approximately 3,000 students in grades K-12 in Durham, Halifax, Northampton and Mecklenburg counties.

At KIPP NC, we are committed to improving the life outcomes of North Carolina’s children through the delivery of culturally relevant curricula that are grounded in research, and clearing the paths that our students choose to follow by ensuring that they have the roadmaps and guideposts they need to arrive at success - however they define it.

KIPP North Carolina is also committed to building the pipeline of the state’s most talented and effective teachers and leaders through competitive compensation, integrated professional development lead by coaches and mentors, and resources they need to succeed, all rooted in core values that articulate our collectively designed organizational beliefs :

Pursue Excellence -

We uphold high standards for our staff, and are committed to providing the necessary resources, training, mentorship and feedback to help each staff member not only meet, but exceed, expectations.

We believe excellence is a habit and a sustained pursuit, not an endpoint.

Build Knowledge -

We offer our educators robust school-based, regional and external professional development opportunities, before the start of and during the school year, designed to empower them with the latest teaching strategies and technology integration techniques.

School Leaders and a statewide teacher development team provide professional coaching for school-based staff and foster collaborative learning, encouraging the exploration of effective teaching strategies and best practices.

Fight Injustice -

As a staff, we dismantle the white supremacy within our institution and deepen our own learning and understanding of anti-racism and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) through providing organization-wide regular workshops designed to holistically guide us through the redesign of our workplace culture through the lens of liberation.

Additionally, we train and prepare our educators to deliver culturally responsive curricula that respect learners' cultures and prior experiences, and acknowledge and value the legitimacy of different cultures, not just the dominant culture of a society.

Spark Joy -

We believe in publicly and privately acknowledging and celebrating the outstanding contributions of our staff, and recognize exceptional individuals across the region.

We also understand the importance of fostering a positive and collaborative work environment. We organize monthly school-based staff outings to provide an opportunity for our team to unwind, socialize, and engage in activities that promote camaraderie and a sense of community.

Rise Together -

We create space for our region to assemble and celebrate all successes - a space in which we strengthen community by embracing each other’s unique identities, and honoring the contributions that will allow us to lift as we rise in the years ahead.

We believe Team always beats Individual.

Job Description

The employee is responsible for choreographing and teaching cheer routines to the cheerleading squad and is also responsible for setting and conducting practice times after academic classes and supervising the team at designated games and other activities where the squad cheers.

The Coach will support each participating student in achieving a higher level of skill, an enhanced appreciation for the values of discipline and teamwork, and an increased level of self-esteem.

Provides direction and support to Assistant Cheerleading Coaches, as appropriate, in developing their coaching skills and activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Choreographs and teaches cheer routines to the cheerleading squad.

Works closely with the school-based Athletic Director and Principal in scheduling practices as appropriate; conducts practices throughout the year.

Coaches individual participants, small groups and the team, as appropriate, in the skills necessary for the achievement in the sport.

Provides input to the school-based Athletic Director concerning the safety conditions of the facility or area in which the practice or performance is conducted.

Supervises and directs the cheerleading squad during sporting events.

Enforces the rules of the squad, including those regarding tardiness, missed practices and / or games and less than acceptable conduct.

Shares infractions with parents and administrators.

Holds tryouts or auditions to select new members of the cheerleading squad. Communicates the results of the tryouts to the Principal and other appropriate audiences.

Attends cheerleading camp with the team each summer.

Be a personal example of high moral character and superior standards of conduct.

Promotes a spirit of cooperation and friendship between the cheerleaders and players.

Encourages cheerleaders to participate in other campus events and service projects.

Plans team-building, morale-building activities for the squad.

Strives to establish cooperative relations and makes a reasonable effort to communicate with parents / guardians as appropriate.

Teaches good sportsmanship.

Works with faculty and staff to support students’ academic success.

Works with the school-based Athletic Director, Principal and parents to raise funds for the Cheerleading program.

Provides constant supervision of students.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Demonstrates organizational abilities, communication skills, and skills in interpersonal relations.

Knowledge of cheerleading and coaching techniques.

Ability to constantly monitor the safety and well-being of students, particularly when student is participating in an inclusive activity.

Ability to organize cohesive practices.

Ability to motivate students.

Ability to maintain a clean and orderly environment.

Ability to perform general clerical duties.

Ability to maintain order and discipline.

Ability to maintain basic files and records.

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Requires the ability to speak and / or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving instructions, assignments and / or directions from superiors.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

May coordinate and direct the activities of assistant coaches, if positions exist.

Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress and when confronted with emergency situations.

Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions.

Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.

Understands the growth and development of assigned students.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.

Must be able to perform medium work exerting in excess of 50 pounds of force occasionally, and / or in excess of 25 pounds of force frequently, and / or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to lift objects.

Must possess the visual acuity to operate required equipment and motor vehicles, use measurement devices, and inspect work for accuracy, thoroughness, and adherence to work standards and instructions.

Minimum Education and Experience

High school diploma required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Considerable experience in group leadership.

Extensive training and experience in cheerleading and choreography preferred.

Additional Information

This is a part-time role and paid as a seasonal stipend. It is not eligible for benefits, but can be combined with a full time staff / faculty position.