KIPP Chicago

“My number one goal is just to pour back into children and give back to my community as much as I can. I have to hold myself to a higher expectation because I’m teaching little people. They can be anything they want to be and it’s important that we understand that we need a community of people to get where we want to go in life.” Congratulations to D’Naya Mims from KIPP Ascend Middle School, a 2024 Harriett Ball Excellence in Teaching Award winner! This annual award celebrates K-12 KIPP teachers who excel in improving student achievement, demonstrate outstanding classroom leadership, and equip students with skills and confidence for their future paths. D’Naya’s commitment to community and empowering students makes her one of just 10 educators nationwide to receive this recognition. https://lnkd.in/ga5HpE-3

“Being a reading teacher, it’s really easy to see your direct impact on students. It gets me excited and fills me with joy that I’m able to be just a slight part of that whole process.” We’re proud to celebrate Camille Craven from KIPP Ascend Middle School, a 2024 Harriett Ball Excellence in Teaching Award recipient! This prestigious honor is given to KIPP teachers who significantly improve student achievement, show exceptional leadership in school and classroom, and dedicate themselves to preparing students for success in college, career, and beyond. Camille’s passion for literacy and student growth has earned her a place among just 10 educators nationwide to receive this recognition. https://lnkd.in/gwKaHpAy

“I want my children to succeed. When they lack belief in themselves, I let them know that if no one is showing up for them, I am. I believe in my kids. I believe they’re going to be whatever they want to be. I do this so we can shape the world to be a better place.” Congratulations to Evonne Bankston from KIPP Bloom College Prep, a 2024 Harriett Ball Excellence in Teaching Award winner! This prestigious award recognizes outstanding KIPP educators nationwide who improve student achievement, demonstrate exceptional leadership, and prepare students for success in college, career, and beyond. Bankston’s unwavering belief in their students exemplifies why they are one of just 10 teachers selected for this honor. https://lnkd.in/gYJcNNyk

This week we are proud to celebrate the incredible Operations leaders who ensure schools run smoothly every single day. Meet Ana Gonzalez, a guiding force at KIPP One Primary/KIPP One Academy in Chicago and a recipient of KIPP's Heart and SOL Award! 🏆 Because of Ana, everyone at KIPP One feels accountable and responsible for attendance. Ana maximizes teaching and learning through strong operational systems and she has set up partnerships for free health care examinations, access to a food pantry, free gently used clothes and free eye exams and glasses for students. Thank you for your dedication to KIPPsters Ana! #OpsAppreciationWeek KIPP Chicago

For more than twenty years, KIPP Chicago has been transforming lives and shaping a brighter future for students on the West and South Sides. Now, we invite you to join us for KIPP Next, our Anniversary Celebration on Wednesday, June 12th, at the iconic Thalia Hall. This elegant evening will commemorate the milestones and impact that have defined our journey while unveiling our vision for the next chapter of education in Chicago. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to connect with our community of champions and supporters! Secure your tickets or explore exclusive sponsorship packages at https://lnkd.in/gmStyb3p. Join us in celebrating 20 years of impact and become part of the inspiring next chapter being written for education in our city.

The future leaders of our world are already making their mark! KIPP Chicago students recently attended the Global Classrooms International Model U.N. Conference, collaborating with delegates worldwide to tackle critical topics like creating a framework for political education, transitioning to eco-friendly trade systems, building and sustaining water security in urban centers, and transitioning to nuclear energy in developing countries. Four of our delegates took home awards for their excellent representation of Japan's perspective on the topics of expanding eco-friendly trade systems and developing a framework for political education. Experiences like these empower our youth to raise their voices and lead with confidence. We're immensely proud of their poise, diplomacy, and passion on the world stage.

Today, we celebrated KIPP Chicago's third class of unstoppable adult learners earning their high school diplomas through our partnership with Penn Foster! This accomplishment represents so much more than just a degree. These graduates, through their perseverance and dedication, showed their children the immense value of lifelong education. They've set a powerful example of what can be achieved through consistent hard work. At KIPP, we believe that learning is a lifelong pursuit, and this class of graduates fully embodies that spirit. Their grit, resilience, and hunger for growth are qualities we aim to instill in every KIPP student for life. Congratulations to these role models on an incredible achievement! Their success will ripple through generations.

"We need to center educators. We need to center practitioners. They need to be at the table to make sure these tools are aligned and adapted to what our children, families, and communities are facing." A highlight of our time at the ASU+GSV Summit was a fireside chat with KIPP Foundation CEO, Shavar Jeffries, moderated by our very own Michallé Fain, whose journey from KIPP Chicago student to teacher to school leader encapsulates our mission's impact. The conversation centered on fueling educators with AI tools and support to thoughtfully integrate technology as a complement to responsive teaching. Their message resonated powerfully: When we equip teachers with the right resources, AI becomes an energizing force that expands horizons for cultivating inclusive classrooms and communities. You can watch a recording of the full conversation here: https://lnkd.in/ghPeHpzy

KIPP Chicago had an incredibly insightful experience at ASU+GSV Summit and the inaugural ASU+GSV AIR Show! Centered on the idea of conscious adoption and consumption, our team focused on bridging the AI revolution with human-centered learning. Educator panels spotlighted blending Afrofuturist perspectives through thoughtful tech integration, like leveraging Playlab AI to spark creativity, intellectual engagement, and cultural exploration. Teachers led demonstrations and showcased their work building these AI platforms to be more culturally inclusive for students. In a fireside chat, our Executive Director, April Montgomery Goble, joined Dr. Mahalia Hines and partner Kyron Learning's Rajen Sheth to discuss expanding possibilities through AI without losing essential human expertise. Amidst the buzz around AI's possibilities, KIPP Chicago highlighted how thoughtful integration of technology can elevate, but not replicate, the magic of engaged human-centered teaching and learning!

This weekend I had the incredible honor of representing KIPP Chicago at the ASU+GSV AIR Show alongside four of my amazing colleagues (Mya Clark Evonne Bankston M.Ed. Yodit Weldu Brittany J.). I presented on how I blend Afrofuturistic themes and AI in my classroom through the implementation of a wonderful app called Paloma. This experience has emphasized for me the importance of community, collaboration, and innovation. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity and cannot wait to bring what I have learned back to my school community.