Founding Student Support Manager

Independence Preparatory Academy is a new, academically challenging, highly structured, and joyful K-8 school in Fairfield, AL. We are on a mission to equip all students with the academic tenacity and strength of character necessary to choose their destiny and create a fulfilling life. We develop empowered learners through agency, purpose, and tenacity. 

In August 2025, Independence Preparatory Academy will open its doors to 160 kindergarten through second-grade students. We will grow until we reach a total capacity of 520 students during the 2032-2033 school year in kindergarten through eighth grade. We are actively building a founding team that shares our belief that with rigorous academics, high-quality instruction, and character development, all students can excel in high school, college, and life.

EMBRACE YOUR CALLING 

Are you driven by the rewarding challenge of unlocking the full potential of every student in a diverse learning environment? Do you find fulfillment in creating personalized educational experiences that empower students with diverse needs to succeed? Are you passionate about being a catalyst for positive change, championing inclusive education for students of all abilities? If so, Independence Preparatory Academy could be your perfect fit.

To achieve our vision, we seek a Founding Student Support Manager with a Bachelor’s degree, at least 3+ years of special education teaching experience, an Alabama Special Education certification, and a proven track record of accelerating student growth in students with Special Education designations.

LEAD AT INDEPENDENCE PREPARATORY ACADEMY

iPrep teammates are perpetual learners, challenging the status quo and solving challenges together. We remain united by our commitment to envisioning the infinite potential of every child. Our ideal candidate believes in our scholars and our community.  They have a passion for scholar-centered learning, evident in the following orientations: 

• Adaptability: Our educators have an orientation to building alongside each other. This means a commitment to:
• Learning and iterating
• An openness to giving and receiving feedback
• An entrepreneurial spirit: building from the ground up
• Collaboration with other adults and families
• Belief in our model and our graduate profile through a commitment to:
• Student agency and advocacy
• Supporting students in finding their purpose
• Mastery-based grading 
• Profound learning experiences
• Student result orientation: through a commitment to:
• Hard quantitative academics 
• Holistic indicators for success 
• Knowledge of self: confidence in describing your identity, purpose, and passions

We are hiring for a March start date. The salary range for this position is between $50,000 and $58,000. New hires can expect to be brought into the organization at a salary at or near the start of the range, depending on relevant experience, teacher certification status, and internal equity. Compensation is based on our salary scales and is not negotiable.

ACHIEVE IMPACTFUL OUTCOMES

• Master the foundations of iPrep’s academic content and social-emotional curriculum, including a deep understanding of the Science of Reading and aligned practices, standard analysis and breakdown, and anticipating and mitigating student misconceptions to plan and revise small group and push-in instruction lessons that align with IEP goals and Alabama Standards. 
• Support our team to ensure that all students, especially those with special needs, receive the services and support they need to succeed at iPrep.
• Collaborate with school leaders, teachers, contracted service providers, and families to ensure strong systems are built and utilized to track special education needs, intervention strategies, and assessment data over the year.
• Work closely with School Leadership to implement a scope and sequence of professional development and training for instructional team members and service providers related to data tracking and the IEP process.
• Be a proud ambassador for iPrep, inspiring and encouraging potential families to become part of our thriving iPrep community.

 What we offer:

• A chance to be part of community development and work alongside the community to SOAR
• Being a part of a new, innovative, unprecedented school model
• Unique model experiences - ex: Eagle Quests, Choice Day
• Mastery-Based Grading
• Coaching toward student agency, purpose, and tenacity
• World-class peers - we are looking for exemplary educators committed to pushing your practice, collaborating with peers, and being aligned with our mission and vision
• Discipline that makes sense - restorative practices rooted in our core values and celebrated through positive incentives and rewards
• Deep care about your personal and professional growth: 
• A clear pathway to professional growth
• Consistent feedback and support from managers and teammates 
• Community Circle to build and strengthen our sense of team
• Weekly professional development
• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, and vision plans
• 403(b) retirement plan; iPrep offers contributions of up to 5% of your salary toward your savings
• Competitive compensation