WELCOME TO INDIANAPOLIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
At IPS, we believe in the transformative power of education. We work collectively every day to prepare our students for success in the classroom and in life by providing equitable high-quality educational experiences across our family of schools. IPS is a place to make an impact, grow your career, and ensure every student has access to a high-quality education, all while earning a good living in a district on the move. While the work is challenging, it is deeply meaningful and impactful. We seek innovators and trailblazers who bring varying experiences and expertise and share our belief that every child deserves access to an exceptional education. As part of TeamIPS, youll create lasting connections, find a sense of belonging, and feel supported to make a meaningful difference in students lives.
In return, no matter your role here, we expect a commitment to excellence and accountability. Youll be held to high standards. Resilience and passion are key-you must be adaptable, handling adversity with flexibility while putting students at the heart of everything you do. Ethical conduct, clear communication, and mutual respect are fundamental. Being a dependable, collaborative team player who builds meaningful relationships is essential.
Together, we are Proving Whats Possible by building a community where everyone belongs and each student has the opportunity to fulfill their potential.
A TEACHING CAREER IN IPS OFFERS
Purpose and Impact
Students First
Teaching for IPS is a rewarding opportunity to support bright, curious students as they shape their futures. We hold ourselves to the highest expectations of excellence, focusing on students holistic needs during their educational journey with us.
Community
Working in a school means it is your home away from home, and you have a school family who supports you and leads with empathy and vision.
Professional and Personal Growth
Grow Your Career
We offer professional development and career advancement opportunities, including dedicated mentorship programs for early-career teachers.
Generous Compensation
Were proud to offer the highest teacher starting pay in Indianapolis and one of the most competitive in the state, with teachers starting at $55,600 depending on experience, plus a generous benefits package. Our teacher salaries are continually on the rise as IPS regularly advocates for stronger teacher compensation.
Access to Financial Benefits
Working in IPS makes it possible to benefit from federal programs such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or Teacher Loan Forgiveness (TLF), helping reduce the financial burden of student loans.
Work-Life Balance and Well-being
Comprehensive Health Insurance
Access top-tier health plans covering medical, dental, and vision needs, plus IPS offers a private clinic for staff and their families through our partners at Ascension St. Vincent.
Flexible Wellness
Take the time you need to care for yourself and your family with our generous leave policies. Teachers receive 70 hours of sick leave in their first year, 56 hours annually after, for illness, family, or mental health, plus three personal days, two floating holidays, and school breaks. Unlimited accumulated sick leave adds flexibility, supporting teachers health and work-life balance.
Incentivized Discounts through IPS Wellness Program
Opportunities to earn hundreds of dollars off your medical premium by participating in proactive and simple health screenings, plus discounted group fitness classes, health and fitness assessments, personal training, and more.
WHAT WE EXPECT
Commitment to Excellence
High Standards
Strive for the very best in all you do, maintaining high standards for yourself, your students, and your colleagues. Embrace lifelong learning and adapt to new teaching methods and challenges.
Educational Equity
IPS is deeply committed to breaking down systemic inequities. We do this by walking the walk on new policies and practices, building diverse and inclusive classrooms and staff teams, and ensuring our environments are grounded in our values of respect, inclusivity, and educational equity.
Resilience and Passion
Dedication to Students
Put students at the heart of your work. Be passionate about their success and well-being. Be adaptable, handling adversity with resilience and flexibility. Be prepared for a dynamic work environment.
Professional Integrity
Ethical Conduct
Uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. Act responsibly and respectfully toward all individuals, communicate with candor and care.
Team Player
Be dependable, punctual, and collaborative, contributing positively to our supportive work environment.
JOIN US
Indianapolis Public Schools is more than a workplace; its a community where purpose, impact, and belonging come together to help Prove Whats Possible - in your career and in your school. If youre ready to embrace challenges, strive for excellence, and make a meaningful impact, IPS is the place for you.
SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Teach elementary school students academic, social, and motor skills in the public school setting. Teachers will have excellent organization and communication skills, as well as possess the philosophy that all children can and will learn.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Demonstrate a high level of effectiveness. • Have the courage and desire to establish community outreach programs. • Must be willing to collaborate with administration, the Special Education Department, and all staff during Structured Teacher Planning Time, team building, etc. • Prepare rigorous, engaging lessons and other instructional materials to meet individual needs of all students. • Demonstrate use of scientifically-based research, best-practice instructional strategies. • Post assignments and input real-time data on IPS On-Line, weekly contact parents, weekly, and arrange parent-teacher conferences after each grading period. • Use a variety of instructional methods and materials. • Assess and analyze data to make instructional adjustments, error pattern analysis, evaluate social growth, keep appropriate records, and prepare progress reports. • Encourage parent involvement in the educational process. • Seek and use community resources to enhance the instructional program. • Maintain control that is conducive to safety in the classroom and on the playground. • Resolve problems in a timely manner, using reason, even with emotional topics, focusing on solving conflict, not placing blame. • Participate in all staff and curriculum development workshops and professional reading groups, sometimes held during the summer and/or outside of the regular instructional day. • Respond promptly to customer needs and solicit feedback to improve service. • Perform other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
None.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
REASONING ABILITY
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATION
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to find, handle, or feel. The employee frequently is required to talk or hear. The employee is required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and humid conditions and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.